THE LAND 

OF 

BEGINNING 



w 





m* m 



^ 






TKe Coming of The White Man 





<Tne 
Land of Beginning 




Copyrighted 1922 

By 

FREDERICK C. DAHLQUIST 
THEODORE E. FAULK 

THE AUTHORS 



Published by 

Commonwealth Publishing Co. 

Portland, Oregon, U. S. A. 



£>**) 



>? 3 

"Oregon Is a Qreat State" 

(Editorial, Morning Oregonian, Jan. 2, 1922) 

((^pHE late Governor Withycombe had a favorite declara- 
JL tion of faith, familiar to thousands of friends. It was, 
'Oregon is a great state/ The statement is redeemed from 
triteness by the fact that so many citizens are unfamiliar 
with its fundamental truth. They are not aware, for exam- 
ple, that Oregon is the seventh state in the union, in area, and 
that western Oregon alone has an area four times as large 
as Massachusetts, while Maryland, New Jersey, New Hamp- 
shire and Connecticut could occupy comfortably the space 
between the Cascade range and the sea. There are single 
counties that cover more territory than do some states. Yet 
bulk alone is not inspiring. Confidence in the future of the 
state comes when one realizes that we have 23,000,000 acres 
of land suitable for cultivation ; that 9,000 farms, comprising 
1,000,000 acres, are blossoming under irrigation; that the 
apple crop of a single district was $3,000,000 in 1921, and 
the fruit crop of another orchard section was valued at 
$1,800,000. 

"Nor is the average citizen cognizant of the Cyclopean 
resources that are, as yet, practically undeveloped — of the 
wealth in water power, of the several feasible and certain 
irrigation projects that will add to the productivity of the 
state, creating many thousands of farm homes; of the blend 
of natural advantages which bespeak for Oregon an undevi- 
ating progress to industrial preeminence. Throughout 
America the lumbering industry has depleted and virtually 
exhausted the stand of coniferous woods in all save one vast 
forest refuge — that of the Northwest. And of this most 
important national asset Oregon holds in trust more than any 
other western state." 

©CU653951 

FEB 27 1922 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



SUCCESS in life is more a matter of work than of 
geography. However, it cannot be denied that 
there are localities where a young man has 
greater chances for success than in other localities, 
if he applies himself diligently. 

It is reasonable to suppose that competition is 
keenest where the population is largest. 

The West has greater natural resources than the 
East, but the East has by far the greater population. 
Industries by necessity follow the people. The op- 
posite is also true, that people follow industries. 

It is obvious that the West with its vast resources 
and comparatively few people offers opportunities 
to men of ambition that the Easterners' great-grand- 
parents gobbled up the East a hundred years ago. 

It is no idle boast that if a young man wants the 
chance for success and wealth his granddad had 
when he was young, he will find that opportunity in 
the West. He will also find the same chance for 
failure. Success is not cut out in the West for a man. 
The man has to be cut out for success. If he has the 
stuff, the West holds for him an abundance of re- 
sources for his labor. 

The same man would undoubtedly succeed, no 
matter where he chose to live, but the degree of 
success would be limited by geography. A man 
who has a small business today, located in a logical 
position, will have a big business in a very few years 
if he does no more than keeps abreast of the times. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



The development of Western resources, and the in- 
flux of Eastern men and capital insure success. 

Of all states in the West, Oregon seems to be 
the state which, by its position and present develop- 
ment, will have the greatest growth in the next 
few years. 

Rapid growth and development of resources 
make millionaires. 

Oregon has everything within its borders to make 
it a very wealthy state, and it requires wealthy men 
to make a wealthy state. Greater opportunities have 
never existed than now are offered in Oregon. 

A young man need only imagine what he would 
do if the State of Pennsylvania or New York could 
be put back in years when each had only nine people 
to the square mile, and he could be assured of their 
present growth. 

Oregon has that opportunity. The state has 
practically everything New York has, and some be- 
sides. It is only a question of migration which is as 
inevitable as the daylight which follows the dark- 
ness. 

To the men who believe in the romance of busi- 
ness and achievement; the men whose dreams turn 
to a far country where they may take their stand 
shoulder to shoulder with other American men who 
believe that the conquest of success is made by 
work; this book is offered with the hope that it will 
assist some of these argonauts of fortune in the 
selection of their chosen field of work. 

Realizing that there are many men over the en- 
tire United States who desire to go to the West and 
live because of climatic conditions, and better oppor- 
tunities, this book has been written as a guide to 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



show some of the opportunities in the most impor- 
tant fields, both for the men who will have to depend 
upon their labor for means of support, and men who 
have capital to invest. 



OREGON'S COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES. 
From the Oregon Almanac. 

"In relation to interior America and the com- 
merce of the world, Oregon's location on the Pacific 
Coast is as advantageous as is that of New York and 
Pennsylvania on the Atlantic Coast. The area of 
Oregon is greater than the combined areas of New 
York and Pennsylvania. 

Oregon 95,607 sq. miles 

New York and Penna 92,486 sq. miles 

"There is more open country in Oregon, the soil 
is infinitely richer, and the natural resources of 
timber, minerals, fisheries, etc., are far greater, so 
it is entirely reasonable to expect that Oregon will 
eventually support a greater population than the 
two great states of New York and Pennsylvania. " 

"Oregon is of oblong form, about 275 miles from 
north to south and 375 miles from east to west. 
The state is divided by the Cascade Mountains into 
two great divisions, known as Western Oregon and 
Eastern Oregon, each with distinct climatic and agri- 
cultural conditions, and together embracing all de- 
sirable elements of soil and climate of the temperate 
zone, from the humid region along the Pacific Coast 
to the high and semi-arid plains of Central Oregon. 
The area of the state is 96,699 square miles, in- 
cluding water. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



Oregon's contour is extremely varied, with fertile 
valleys, rolling hills, high tablelands, rivers, lakes 
and mountains. The streams and rivers have tre- 
mendous latent water power. Nearly all the electric 
current employed in Oregon is derived from water 
power, the balance from sawmill refuse. 

The mountain slopes are covered with merchant- 
able timber, approximating one-sixth of the standing 
timber of the entire United States. The mountain 
ranges not only mark the geographical lines of 
division, but perform the highly important double 
function of serving as immense watersheds and Na- 
ture's reservoir for millions of tons of winter snows 
to supply needed moisture for the broad and fertile 
valleys during the summer months." 

WESTERN OREGON. 

"Coast Region — Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, 
Lane, Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties. 

"Willamette Valley — Columbia, Washington, 
Multnomah, Yamhill, Clackamas, Polk, Marion, 
Linn, Benton and Lane Counties. 

"Southern Oregon — Douglas, Josephine and 
Jackson Counties. 

"Approximately 35,000 square miles lie west of 
the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. Agriculturally, 
Western Oregon consists of a series of rich and pro- 
ductive valleys, with all the conditions necessary to 
produce in abundance, and to the highest perfection, 
all the varieties of fruits and vegetation character- 
istic of the temperate zone, with any desired altitude 
from sea level to 5,000 feet or more, and precipi- 
tation ranging from 20 inches annually in the south- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



ern portion and 40 or 45 inches in the Willamette 
Valley, to an extreme maximum of 133 inches in 
the mountains along the coast. 

"Western Oregon is characterized by comfort- 
able summers and mild winters. While the tempera- 
ture occasionally registers above the 90 degree 
mark during the summer months, the heat is not 
oppressive because of the low summer humidity and 
rapid evaporation; the nights are cool, assuring re- 
freshing sleep. 

"Climatological conditions are so different as be- 
tween localities in this section that the most marked 
sub-divisions will be accorded separate description. 
The chief features of distinction in climate are the 
amount of rainfall, sunshine and length of growing 
season, all highly important factors from an agricul- 
tural and commercial standpoint. The ocean on the 
west and the mountains of the interior greatly mod- 
ify the climate — the ocean by tempering the heat 
and cold and the mountains by arresting and increas- 
ing the rainfall on the windward slopes and decreas- 
ing it on the leeward slopes. Only 10 per cent of the 
annual rainfall occurs during June, July, August 
and September. The months of the heaviest rainfall 
are either December or January, and of the lightest 
July or August." 



THE COAST REGION. 

"Consists of a strip along the Pacific Coast 40 
miles in width at the widest parts, and running the 
entire length of the state, and is composed of rolling 
hills, small but fertile valleys, rich tidelands, sea 
beaches, high bluffs, rivers and mountain slopes. 



8 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

It is separated and distinguished from the other 
portions of Western Oregon by the Coast Range of 
mountains, which parallels the coast from north to 
south, with an average elevation of 2,000 feet and 
occasional peaks or ridges 3,500 feet or more in 
height. 

"The total approximate area of the entire Coast 
Region is 7,280 square miles. Soils of the valleys 
and lowlands are composed of alluvial deposits and 
silt, deep and rich in humus and other essential ele- 
ments; clay loams and sandy loams; and the up- 
lands of red clay and sandy loams. This region is 
especially adapted and devoted to dairying industry ; 
general farming is becoming extensive and fruit 
growing is successful in certain locations, but in 
infant stages of development. The general char- 
acter of this territory is timbered, and the majority 
of the farms, especially upon the higher elevations, 
are composed of cut-over or logged-off lands which 
have been cleared for farming and are highly pro- 
ductive of all kinds of agricultural and forage crops. 
Average maximum temperature for July throughout 
the region is 69 degrees and the average minimum 
for the same month is 51 degrees; average maximum 
for January is 48 degrees, and the minimum average 
for the same month is 37 degrees. Annual rainfall 
varies from 133 inches at Glenora, Tillamook County, 
and 55 inches at Doraville, Columbia County, the 
heaviest rainfall in the mountains, to 92 inches at 
Port Orford, Curry County, the heaviest near the 
coast, and 70 inches at Newport, Lincoln County, 
the lightest at the coast. Snow is quite rare. The 
rainy season lasts from October until near the end 
of April and the number of rainy days is greater than 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



anywhere else in the state. Length of growing sea- 
son ranges between 256 days at Gardiner, Douglas 
County, and 303 days at Port Orford. The prevailing 
winds are northwesterly off the ocean, and in mid- 
summer they blow with the regularity of trade 
winds. 

THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY. 

"The watershed comprises a total area of about 
11,200 square miles, and contains the largest and 
most open valley in the state. It is about 60 miles 
in width by 150 miles in length and embraces a most 
fertile and productive area, with slightly variable 
conditions of climate, soil, and other natural advan- 
tages to suit every requirement of agricultural and 
industrial activity. The Willamette River rises in 
the Calapooia Mountains in Southern Lane County, 
and flows north into the Columbia River, 10 miles 
below Portland. Numerous tributaries drain the 
slopes and foothills of the mountains on the east, 
west and south, all of which traverse small but rich 
subsidiary valleys, which contribute to the wealth 
of the Willamette Valley proper. Alluvial deposits 
form the basic elements of the soils of the valley 
bottoms, supplemented and enriched by decayed 
vegetable and animal matter, the accumulations of 
centuries, the lasting and productive qualities of 
which many years of successive cropping have failed 
to exhaust or determine. Descriptions vary from 
light gray to dark and black, clayey and sandy loams, 
with clay and gravel subsoils, and vary in depth from 
a few inches to many feet. The soils of the hills 
and lower mountain slopes, which are covered by a 



10 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

heavy growth of timber, mostly oak, are reddish clay 
in character, which possess rare lasting and pro- 
ductive qualities unexcelled anywhere. The general 
elevation of the valley, consisting of broad, open 
prairies, is between 200 and 400 feet above sea level. 
The average maximum temperature in July is 80 
degrees, and the average minimum 54 degrees, while 
the average maximum for January is 45 degrees, and 
the average minimum for the same month is 34 
degrees. In the valley bottoms the average annual 
rainfall is 45 inches at Portland and 40 inches at 
Eugene, there being a slight decrease in precipita- 
tion from north to south and rapid increase with ele- 
vation on the mountain slopes. In the foothills of 
the Coast Range the average annual rainfall is 52 
inches and 70 inches in the Cascade Mountains at 
an elevation of 1,500 feet. The length of growing 
season averages from 240 to 250 days. The average 
number of days per year on which rain falls are 133 
days at Salem, in the heart of the valley, and 172 
days at McKenzie's Bridge, well up on the slope of 
the Cascades. The amount of the snowfall varies, 
being light in the valley bottoms and increasing with 
elevation on the mountain slopes. The prevailing 
winds are southwesterly. 

SOUTHERN OREGON 

"A term used by the Oregonians as including the 
Umpqua and Rogue River valleys, which merit sep- 
arate descriptions, as follows: 

Umpqua Valley. 
"Is contained wholly within Douglas County and 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 11 

is enclosed by the Cascade, Coast and Calapooia 
Mountains. It embraces an aggregate area of about 
3,000 square miles and, like the other large valleys 
of Western Oregon, includes many rich but lesser 
valleys, which extend back into the creek canyons, 
contributing to the wealth and expanse of the val- 
ley proper. The soils of the valley bottoms are 
alluvial in character, containing all of the essential 
elements that are found in other Western Oregon 
valleys, and are adapted to almost every phase of 
agricultural and horticultural development. The 
soils of the foothills and mountain slopes, which are 
covered with brush and timber, mostly oak, in the 
central valley, are of a red clayish loam character 
and highly productive. Temperature and precipi- 
tation, the former increasing and the latter decreas- 
ing, are governed by the altitude, which graduates 
from 300 feet in the center of the valley to 5,000 
feet at the summit of the Cascades. The average 
maximum temperature for July is 80 degrees and 
the average minimum for the same month is 52 de- 
grees; the average maximum for January is 47 de- 
grees; average maximum for January is 47 degrees 
and the average minimum for the same month is 35 
inches at Sutherlin, in the lower valley, where irri- 
gation is practiced to an extent, and 40 inches or 
more on the mountain slopes. Average annual snow- 
fall, 2 inches. Length of growing season is from 
160 days at Drain to 213 days at Roseburg. Pre- 
vailing wind direction northwest; average wind ve- 
locity, 2.8 miles per hour at Roseburg, the lowest 
indicated at any observing station in the United 
States." 



\2 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

ROGUE RIVER VALLEY. 

"In the most southerly portion of Western Ore- 
gon, and lies between the Cascade range on the 
east, Umpqua range on the north, Coast range on 
the west, and Siskiyou range, which divides Oregon 
from California, on the south. It comprises an ap- 
proximate area of 2,300 square miles and includes 
several smaller tributary valleys . The main artery 
of drainage is the Rogue River, which rises on the 
west slope of the Cascades and breaks westward 
through the Coast Mountains into the Pacific Ocean. 
The soils of the valleys are of alluvial, disintegrated 
lava and granite formations, ranging in depth from 
10 inches to several feet, rich in all of the essential 
chemical qualities for the production of deciduous 
fruits, vegetables and all agricultural crops. The 
red soils of the hills, which are covered with a heavy 
growth of oak timber, are highly productive, and the 
decomposed granite soils are especially adapted to 
grape culture. The surface of the valley is level, 
gently rolling hills and mountain slopes. The aver- 
age maximum temperature for July is 87 degrees, 
and the average minimum for the same month is 
50 degrees; average maximum for January is 46 
degrees and the average minimum is 30 degrees. 
Annual rainfall is 32 inches at Grants Pass, Jose- 
phine County; 28 inches at Medford, Jackson county; 
22 inches at Central Point, Jackson county, and 20 
inches at Ashland, Jackson County. Snowfall aver- 
ages vary from 4.8 inches at Grants Pass to 22.5 
inches at Ashland, and the number of rainy days 
per year at Ashland is 103 and 106 at Grants Pass. 
Only 8 per cent of the rainfall occurs in June, July, 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 13 

August and September, hence the dry season is 
longer and there is more sunshine than in the Wil- 
lamette Valley or the coast counties. The growing 
season averages 170 to 180 days. 

EASTERN OREGON. 

"Central Oregon Region — Crook, Jefferson, Kla- 
math, Lake, Harney and Malheur Counties. 

"Columbia Basin Region — Hood River, Wasco, 
Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla Counties. 

"Blue Mountain Region — Wheeler, Grant, Baker, 
Union and Wallowa Counties. 

That portion of the state lying east of the Cas- 
cade Mountains — aggregating an area of about 
60,000 squrae miles — is known as the Eastern Ore- 
gon Region and is divided into three divisions. The 
vast level and rolling plains which contain many 
lakes (some of which have no surface outlet), high 
tablelands, valleys, rivers and mountains, are com- 
monly known as Central Oregon or the Plateau 
Region. The region bordering on and sloping to- 
wards the Columbia River, consisting of fertile val- 
leys, and the best wheat lands of the state, is classed 
as the Columbia Basin Region. In the northeastern 
part of the state the rolling and mountainous sec- 
tion, in which are nestled many fertile and rich 
valleys, is known as the Blue Mountain Region. 
There is a wide dissimilarity between the climatic 
and other conditions of this section of the state and 
those of Western Oregon; the climate of the latter 
is of a marine and semi-marine character, while that 
of Eastern Oregon is of a continental nature. The 
chief characteristics of the Eastern Oregon climate 



14 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

are a scanty rainfall, wide range in temperatures, 
low absolute humidity, rapid evaporation and an 
abundance of sunshine. " 

OREGON COUNTIES COMPARED WITH 
EASTERN STATES. 

Land area Land area 

County Square miles. State Square miles. 

Harney 9,933 Maryland 9,941 

Malheur 9,884 Vermont 9,124 

Lake 7,920 Massachusetts . . 8,039 

Crook 7,778 New Jersey 7,514 

Klamath 5,999 Connecticut .... 4,820 

Douglas 4,922 Delaware 1,965 

EASTERN OREGON. 

"Central Oregon Region — The great level plains 
and rolling uplands of this section comprise about 
one-half the area of Eastern Oregon and contain 
productive valleys and tablelands. Elevation ranges 
from 2,600 to 4,700 feet. Annual precipitation 
throughout this section is from 9 to 17 inches, aver- 
aging 10 to 12 inches over most of the region, and it 
is difficult, except in a few locations, to mature crops 
without irrigation or dry farming methods, the latter 
being applied very successfully and extensively. The 
soils of the immense tillable areas are composed of 
disintegrated lava, underlaid with porous lava and 
basalt and supplemented by sedimentary soils car- 
rying all of the necessary chemical elements in 
abundance, though lacking in humus, and highly 
productive after being subdued. The uplands are of 
the decomposed basaltic and lava types of soil. Irri- 
gation is in a high state of development and many 
large projects are in operation or in course of con- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 15 

struction. Although the rainfall in the open plains 
averages only 10 to 12 inches, there is from 13 to 17 
inches on the average near the Cascade Mountains 
and in the higher altitudes of the southern portion 
of Klamath and Lake Counties. Of this precipitation, 
a considerable proportion falls in winter snow, from 
one to two feet in the open plains and from three 
to four feet in the hills and mountains. This snow 
is seldom on the ground for more than a few days 
or weeks at a time, and in the open country is sel- 
dom more than 4 to 6 inches deep at one time. The 
average maximum temperature for the district for 
July is 86 degrees, and the average minimum for 
the same month is 44 degrees; the average maximum 
for January is 40 degrees and the average minimum 
is 17 degrees. Length of growing season averages 
from 125 to 150 days. Summer nights are cold, 
often frosty, though damaging frosts are rare except 
in some of the most exposed localities. In many 
parts of Central Oregon tender vegetables and fruits 
are raised commercially, while in other portions 
only the hardy vegetables are raised. In the 
most irrigated regions, damaging summer frosts 
have become almost unknown, and the same applies 
to dry farming sections where the soil has been 
kept under cultivation for years. Number of rainy 
days during the year is fewer than 100 throughout 
the region, which permits of an abundance of 
sunshine for the rapid maturity of crops. The 
small mountain ranges in this region, some of the 
peaks of which rise to elevations of 5,000 feet or 
more above the level of the valleys (7,000 to 9,000 
feet above sea level) and the East slope of the Cas- 
cades are covered with a heavy growth of merchant- 



H> THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

able timber." 

COLUMBIA BASIN REGION. 

"Bordering on and tributary to the Columbia 
River is the Columbia Basin Region, from 50 to 75 
miles wide and about 150 miles long. It has a mean 
elevation of about 1,000 feet and a general northerly 
dip toward the river. Here the climate is dry and 
sunny. The relative humidity is low and evaporation 
from a water surface rapid. While the annual rain- 
fall for the district averages 14 inches, being lower 
near the river and increasing with altitude and dis- 
tance from the river, there is a high precipitation in 
the Hood River Valley and a relatively high rainfall 
in the mountains of Umatilla County. There is a 
long growing season close to the Columbia River, 
averaging about 200 days. The average for the 
entire district is about 157 days, corresponding to 
that of Southern Wisconsin. Strong breezes are 
common along the river, but decrease upon going 
back from the river and to higher altitudes. The 
nights are cool, the days clear and the air fresh and 
invigorating. The principal valleys in this district 
are the Hood River Valley, about 82 square miles; 
Three Mile, Eight Mile, Mill Creek and Dufur Val- 
leys, in Wasco County, aggregating about 800 square 
miles; the lower Deschutes and John Day canyons, 
the Rock Creek and Wilson Creek Valleys, and the 
Walla Walla, Hermiston and Umatilla Valleys. 

BLUE MOUNTAIN REGION. 

"In Northeastern Oregon is situated the high irreg- 
ular range of the Blue Mountains, between the vari- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 17 

ous groups of which are very productive elevated val- 
leys, principal of which are the Powder River,Eagle, 
Pine, Sumpter, Grand Ronde, Wallowa, Imnaha and 
John Day Valleys. The largest of these are the Pow- 
der River Valley, including its principal auxiliaries; 
the Eagle, Pine and Sumpter Valleys, which approx- 
imate an area of 800 square miles; Grand Ronde, 
Union County, 600 square miles; Wallowa and Im- 
naha Valleys, Wallowa County, 300 square miles; 
John Day Valley, Wheeler and Grant Counties, over 
4,000 square miles. The general elevation ranges 
from 1,800 feet on Snake River to 4,400 feet in 
Sumpter Valley. There are many mountains and 
peaks in this district rising to about 9,000 feet ele- 
vation. The rainfall ranges from 12 to 23 inches 
and averages about 16 inches annually. The grow- 
ing season ranges from 100 to 150 days, averaging 
about 140 days in the valleys and decreasing with 
the altitude. In many sheltered valleys the season 
permits commercial fruit growing. The mean sum- 
mer temperature corresponds to central Wisconsin 
and that of winter is similar to northern Iowa. The 
mountains of this region are covered with a dense 
growth of merchantable timber." 



18 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



OREGON'S POPULATION. 

Population of Principal Cities in Oregon, According 

to Official Government Census of 1920. 

From Morning Oregonian, Jan. 2, 1922. 

Portland 258,288 

Portland (Mayor's estimate, 

Dec. 31, 1922) 275,000 

Salem 17,679 

Astoria 14,027 

Eugene 10,503 

Baker 7,728 

Pendleton 7,387 

La Grande 6,913 

The Dalles 5,807 

Medford 5,756 

Corvallis 5,752 

Oregon City 5,686 

Bend 5,415 

Klamath Falls 4,801 

Albany 4,840 

Ashland 4,283 

Marshfield 4,034 

North Bend 3,268 

McMinnville 2,767 

Newberg 2,566 

Dallas 2,527 

Hillsboro 2,468 

Silverton 2,251 



Population of State : : 783,389 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 19 



AGRICULTURE 

Some of the richest, most extensive and product- 
ive land in North America is in Oregon, and the 
territory of which Portland is the distributing center. 

The farm population of this territory is nearly 
a half million. It is estimated that 80,000 farms 
in this territory are owned by those occupying them. 
The total average value of the farms in this territory 
is over $15,000, and the majority of the owners are 
men who started with practically no capital. 

The crop value alone for 1920 was $195,000,000. 

The average grain yield is 25 bushels per acre. 
The average yield in the Middle West, 12 bushels 
per acre. The total value for livestock in 1920 was 
over $170,000,000. In this territory there are over 
one-half million dairy cattle, of which the majority 
are pure bred stock. 

There are more than 12,000,000 fruit-bearing 
trees and vines. The state of Oregon alone produces 
annually more than $25,000,000 worth of hay. 

There are more than 5,000,000 acres of land in 
Oregon which can be made fertile by irrigation, and 
it is only a question of a few years until this will 
be done. 

Oregon alone, it has been estimated, has over 
15,000,000 acres of unused arable land available 
for farming, and there is room for 50,000 new farms. 

The opportunities here are beyond the imagina- 
tion of the greatest dreamer. The limit of success 
is governed only by the ambition, aggressiveness, and 
work of the men who make the attempt. 

For the man who wishes to get on a farm of his 



20 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

own, there is perhaps no more virgin territory in the 
United States where all conditions are so ideal for 
success. 

One of the chief things for the man to decide 
who wishes to settle on the land is to determine what 
kind of farming appeals to him most. The particu- 
lar territory he selects for his home will depend upon 
this decision. 

Following is a list of the Agricultural Sections 
of the Oregon country, and their chief products : 

Willamette Valley — General Farming, Fruit, 
Hops, Dairying, Sheep. 

Hood River District — Fruit and Berries. 

Tillamook District — Dairying. 

Lincoln, Coos and Curry County District — Dairy- 
ing. 

Rogue River Valley — Fruit. 

Umpqua District — Dairying. 

Eastern Oregon District — Livestock and Alfalfa. 

Northeastern Oregon — Livestock and Grain. 

Big Bend Country — Grain. 

Southern Oregon — Livestock and Grain. 

A brief review will be made of each type of 
farming showing some of the possibilities of engag- 
ing in this business. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



21 



1000000 000000000 0000 

(NOOOOOOOlOOlOOOOOOOOO 

B rH © O O © O © © l> O l> lO o o o o © o © 

.3 CO ©©N©*©©* oo t^^o"i> t^io ©~©©~©~ ©io 

£©©ioco©©t-©cocoooco©©t-iOiiO©t> 

t- © 00 (N ^ CO C\I CO 00 UO © <N ^ US t> LO 



00 CO <N tH 

€/3- 



00 CO 



CO 



<M 



<N 

t-H 

©~ 

00 

©" 

© 



J2 LO CO lO lO © lO © © lO © © LO © © © 
^J g © © CO LO 00 t^ © © © © LO CO © © © 



lO 00 i— I © CO ©CO© 



3 3 



J rt fl fl J s 

3 p o o S o 



00 **- 

• © 

© » 

- It-© 

'SO s^ 

^ OS 

W 2 ©©©©LO©00CO©tH©© 

£«0 3 10 © © <N* CO © LO <N 10 rH © © 
■ CO CO tH CO 00 © fr- 
ee t» 



3 3 



©©©©©©©©©©©©© 
©©©©©©©©©©©©© 

©©©©<NLO©©lO©©©© 

©©©©100010©©©UO©10 
©^©00LO00U0U0©lO^C0© 

© 



00 (M 



(MCO 



23^ 



fib 


bob] 

< 
o 



^©©©©©©©©©©10© 

M© ©©©©©©©©©W© 

gUD IO ©^©^© ©^©©^©©^ © ©^ 

Bt- oa <nT ©t*©""* \a co*"co~ c<T 

<5oo © t- t- CO t-I t^ © ^ CO tH 
tXM <N ©CO 






.as 






<D 



S3 « 

■S bo ^ 

S fl d OS'S 



V U *4 



^v. 



to 

CD 

3 

bo "£ 

03 ^ ho 

fe ° S> 

4H CO "* 
00 02 M 

3 3 S3 

000 



0) 



CO 

o 
o 

fi o 

03 pj 



(1) (DT^.h 

s fl b 

c$ CO TO 



m •_» ~ - « « -^.^^H ^o1^.2 2S.22^ s 



CD 

GO 

a; pC| "a? '3 "aS - k" 

> o o o o 



o 



22 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



© 



ooo 

IG OO 

■jjjoocvf© 

^r-\ tM 00 
€/3- 



OOOOOOOOO 

ooooooooo 
o o o ooo ooo 
' o~ o~ o~ o~ o" o~ <nT o" o~ 

OJN COO CO (M iH <N 



O 



€/3- 



M 

O* t-wo 
<w . . . 

rH .SOH 



OOOCOCOlOlOiO 
rHOOOOOr-KN 



(M 



o 
o 

o 
u 

D 

H 

J 

D 
o 

o 



CM 



fiu 
o z 

^ 

bo3 

D 

< 
> 



^J.JcOCO.-JtOtOtOCOtOlO 



I8 






oooooooooo 
oooooooooo 

OOOOOOOOOO 

»S *\ #V •-. *S #N ••. ••. *s *\ 

1000*0000000 

coooooooo^o 

OOOOtHOOOOCOO 



T-i O 



O 00 O O 



^OOOOOOOOOOO 
^^h'^OOj^OOOOOIO 

rH t> rH CO <M <N <N 

OOOOOOOOOOOO 

So ooooooooooo 

g© O © © ©^© © © O rH OO^ 
<3^ rH <M 



< 
o 



£t3 



^ 03 
<D CD 

Eh 



fa 0) of CD CD^ 

^ £ fl fl o 



- DQ m 2 <« 

co to <D .2 -5 XJ 



3 3 tf 






<D 

to a 
. . © ^ ^ cd A o £ ~ i;3'h 



T3 

a 

cS 

CO 
<D CO 

■c-s 

CD ?H 
o <D 

° s 

a? C8 
< — i S-i 



a3 
O 



w c to « w *"2 

o3 § flU g g,g 

° m M ° *C 

55 03 © ° 



o c « 

SSI 



3 S | g"3 g 



3 w »T 

-«3^ ft ^> 
c3 ^^ ^ a o 

I ^ Si s-g 

C D9 b "^ O % 
CJ |3 qj C >>-tJ 

o o £.s <u 

©S * ?h e3 cy 

ajos ffl top, 
J2 rH <D ?> to 



,jj b 03 S 5h 3 

03 «.g«S ~g 

•^3 ?3 o+S/ 3 o3 

O 03 O 03 

3 ^ a) 3 o3 a> 

r5 OX'S « 

C 5i 03 



03 ^ 



2 «» fta> 



m ^ s iJ u P 

2 ^ ^ . 03 O 

I a3 » o ^03 

O o 2 £ o &fl 



&0 ?^ „ Pi 

- ^ O o cSm 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 23 

FRUIT 

Of all the wonderful opportunities offered by 
the great Northwest, and especially by Oregon, to 
the investor and opportunity seeker, fruit raising 
offers the best road to comfort and wealth. The soil 
is adaptable and the year around climatic conditions 
are almost perfect to insure quality and encourage 
extensive production of a wide variety of fruits. 

The most substantial progress in the development 
of fruit bearing lands, and the marketing of fruit 
products has taken place in the last ten years in 
Oregon. There are thousands of acres of fruit- 
bearing trees and vines, and many more in young 
trees coming into bearing each year. In a compara- 
tively short while many more will be planted to 
many varieties of fruit and nuts. Oregon's products 
are known the world over for their quality and 
flavor. 

During a ten-year period which saw several de- 
clines in the acreages of some of the leading fruits 
in the United States, Oregon increased her acreage 
in an impressive manner. In 1919 there were 
7,854,006 bearing fruit trees, and ten years before 
there were 4,583,735 bearing trees. The number of 
bushels had increased from 4,500,000 to 10,500,000, 
with a normal valuation of over $17,000,000 per 
year. 

Fruit growing is no longer an experiment in Ore- 
gon for the industry has reached the scientific stage 
as to management and marketing. Oregon growers 
know the best soils adapted for the different kinds 
of fruit, the best varieties to plant for family and 
commercial uses. They know all the diseases and 



24 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

insects that infect the trees and fruit, and how best 
to combat them. The state agricultural college, one 
of the best in the world, has a complete horticultural 
department where this business is studied and taught 
in the most scientific manner known to man. The 
resources of this great institution are always ready 
to assist the grower to combat any pest. The State 
Board of Horticulture supplies an abundance of 
practical information to any one who will but ask 
for it. Local organizations and co-operative organi- 
zations have made a thorough study of market con- 
ditions, and all these have contributed to gain the 
world-wide reputation Oregon already has as a fruit- 
growing state. 

Oregon offers great opportunities to the fruit 
grower. Many men from every profession and 
activity have taken up fruit growing as a pleasant 
and healthful diversion. It brings an excellent in- 
come and healthful exercise in the great out-doors of 
Oregon. 

There are many climates in Oregon, and the pros- 
pective fruit grower has his choice of climate. 
Eastern Oregon with its diversified seasons; South- 
ern Oregon with delightful valleys, blue skies, and 
warm air; the Willamette Valley with its uniform 
climate throughout the year, and only a few hours 
on the electric trains from Oregon's great metrop- 
olis — Portland. 

In the Willamette Valley grows the apple, pear, 
prune, cherry, peach, walnut, filbert, and all small 
fruits. Here is also found in abundance the famous 
loganberry. All these can be grown on the same 
ranch. They bear in such manner that the grower 
can be pleasantly busy throughout the year. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 25 

In Southern Oregon, in the Rogue River and 
Umpqua Valleys, grow peaches, apples, prunes, 
grapes, walnuts, dates and figs. In the Hood River 
Valley is grown the world-known Hood River berries 
and apples; the Wasco Valley, peaches and apples. 

In Eastern Oregon fruits are raised in the nu- 
merous fertile valleys. Irrigation has made a tre- 
mendous change in the Inland Empire, and has trans- 
formed it into a great fruit area. In the valleys 
along the west coast are found cranberries, straw- 
berries and apples. 

APPLES. 

The western apple has merited its great demand 
in the markets of the world because of its size, en- 
ticing color, excellent flavor. One hundred varieties 
are grown in Oregon but the Spitzenberg and Yellow 
Newton are the leaders, commercially. 

PEARS. 

Oregon produces pears of exceptional quality, 
and several sections of Oregon grow pears which are 
recognized the world over as being unexcelled in 
flavor and quality. The fruit not only keeps but it 
surpasses all others in delicious flavor. The Oregon 
Bartlett is recognized as best in the world. The Boss 
pear is rapidly coming to the front and last year 
surpassed all others in that it topped the market at 
$7.00 per box. To produce the perfect specimen, 
climatic conditions and soil must be perfect. Scien- 
tific cultural method, after careful selection of stock 
and variety, must be followed. Oregon can furnish 
all these. 



26 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

In Southern Oregon irrigation is best for produc- 
tion of a large pear. Five big ditches are being com- 
pleted which will open the following districts: 
Medf ord Irrigation District .... 10,000 acres 

Talent Irrigation District 9,600 acres 

Eagle Point Irrigation District. . 3,000 acres 
Grants Pass Irrigation District. . 14,000 acres 
These great districts are now ready for occupa- 
tion by the home seeker. Other varieties of fruit 
can be grown there, also. 

PEACHES. 

Three thousand acres of this fruit are now bear- 
ing, and most of this land is in the Rogue River and 
Wasco districts. This fruit is shipped to nearby 
markets and canneries. The grower is nearly always 
assured a price consistent with profit due to the 
numerous canneries in the peach growing section 
which take all the stock that cannot be sold in the 
open market as fresh fruit. 

PRUNES. 

The prune is a staple product because of its 
known health giving attributes, and its use is con- 
stantly increasing. It is known that it is equal if not 
superior to that grown anywhere in the world. At 
present there are 40,000 acres in prunes in Oregon. 
It has nearly doubled in the last two years. 

Marion, Yamhill and Polk counties, which are in 
the heart of the Willamette Valley, and Douglas 
county in the Umpqua Valley, contain four-fifths of 
the state's prune acreage. 

This fruit is not very exacting in the soil require- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 27 

ments, and the hill lands which are unsuited to other 
fruits have been found excellently adapted to prunes. 
There is nothing difficult about prune raising. Good 
care will insure good production. Early, thorough 
tillage is the best method of care which leads to 
success. 

CHERRIES. 

There are 4,000 acres of cherries in the state, 
and more being planted every year. Large, Royal 
Annes, Lamberts and Bings thrive best in Oregon. 
Salem is the center of the cherry industry in the 
Willamette Valley, and the annual "Blossom Day" 
draws thousands of visitors. 

Cherries have been found to require rich soil, 
careful tillage, drainage and handling. Because 
large canneries are located throughout the valleys, 
good prices for cherries are paid. Cherry growing 
is easy to master, pays a good dividend, and is a 
good investment. 

SMALL FRUITS. 

Western Oregon's soil and climate are conducive 
to success in berry culture. Development of this 
industry was slow at first, due to perishableness of 
the fruit and the long distance to markets. This 
has now been overcome by the establishment of 
canneries near the berry fields. A near market for 
the product is never found wanting now. The in- 
dustry has now come to depend upon manufacturers 
of fruit juices, jams, jellies, preserves, dehydrated 
or canned fruits. These industries are located in the 
heart of each district with sufficient funds invested 



28 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

to keep pace with the rapidly growing production 
of berries. There are 66 fruit canneries located in 
these districts. 

LOGANBERRY. 

The loganberry is the leading berry of the state 
with 6,000 acres planted in this fruit. Four thousand 
acres are in Marion county, which has much fine 
fertile soil and splendid facilities for handling the 
product. The statistics quoted below do not give 
a maximum record of production. As high as six 
tons has been known to come off one acre, selling at 
18c a pound, bringing the net profit as high as $800 
per acre. 

The vines do not bear the first year they are set 
out, but the second year brings a small crop, and 
the third year they come into full bearing. After 
the third year the vines are good for years to come, 
if proper trimming and care is given them. 

RASPBERRY. 

Raspberries are produced in the same manner 
as loganberries. Some record yields of this fruit 
have been made in Oregon, netting large returns. 
There is a ready market for the berry. 

Loganberries and raspberries are grown nowhere 
else in the world in commercial quantities, except 
in Western Oregon and Washington. The future is 
especially bright in this field of horticulture in 
Oregon. 

STRAWBERRIES. 

In 1919, $100,000 was received by the growers 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 29 

in Oregon, which was 5 per cent of the total tonnage 
grown in the whole United States. 

Hood River Valley has led in strawberry produc- 
tion, but of late the Willamette Valley has had the 
greatest development. Marion county now leads 
with about 1,200 acres. Clatsop, Coos and other coast 
counties have recently entered the industry, and will 
be heavy producers of this fruit. 

There are hundreds of acres in Oregon available 
for this very purpose at reasonable figures. The 
greatest handicap to berry growing heretofore — dis- 
tance to market — has now been overcome by the 
motor truck. The co-operative associations' trucks 
call daily at the patches. 

The Marshall and Wilson are the most exten- 
sively grown. The Wilson, which requires rich soil, 
is an excellent canning berry, and its yield is the 
greatest. The Magoon, Oregon and Gold Dollar 
are important varieties grown extensively west of 
the Cascades, while the Clark Seedling leads east 
of the Cascades. 

CRANBERRIES. 

Cranberries have been known to exist here on 
the coast since the very earliest settlers, but it had 
reached no commercial proportions until 1910. At 
that time 280 acres were set out on the lower Colum- 
bia where the bogs and marshes predominate. This 
section is one of the best in the world because it is 
absolutely frost-free, and the long growing season 
and abundant rainfall, essentials to this type of 
plant, assures a good crop every year. In 1918 
100 acres produced 3,000 barrels. The Clatsop 
county bogs are close to the market because they 



30 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

border the S. P. & S. Railroad and the paved high- 
way. One hundred barrels per acre is not unusual, 
and last year the one acre Delmoor bog in this county 
produced 135 barrels. The best record is held by 
the McFarland Marsh on Coos Bay, which yielded 
1,000 barrels in one five-acre tract. Five hundred 
thousand barrels were produced last year in the 
United States, or about one pint per capita. The 
increase in this industry is not keeping pace with 
the increase in population, it is evident that the 
prospective cranberry grower does not need to fear 
over-production in the immediate future. 

OTHER SMALL FRUITS. 

Large quantities of red and black cap raspber- 
ries thrive. Wild blackberries grow in profusion all 
over the western part of the state, and are in great 
demand by the canneries because of their excep- 
tional flavor. Any family can pick enough during 
the season to amply take care of their needs for the 
winter. One bush will often grow to be 40 feet in 
diameter and six feet high, which will supply a 
whole family with fresh berries from August to late 
October. 

Currants and gooseberries are grown in nearly 
every garden. Wild huckleberries grow in pro- 
fusion, and are picked for the markets every year. 

NUTS. 

The future of the nut industry in Oregon is as- 
sured for the adaptability of Oregon climate and soil 
has been proven in the last decade. There is hardly 
a crop of anything grown that yields a better return 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 31 

on the investment. The walnuts bring the highest 
prices in the market and are unsurpassed for size 
and quality. The average consumption in America 
is one pound per capita per year, and this is con- 
stantly on the increase. Last year the supply gave 
out four months before the new crop came in. There 
are 3,000 acres in bearing at the present time. 

Land in the foothills, which is up out of the 
frost where there is good air and drainage, is best 
suited for walnuts. There is an abundance of just 
such land all over Western Oregon in the very heart 
of the district. It can be purchased reasonably from 
lumber syndicates who have taken off the lumber. 
Walnuts pay on a commercial basis when ten or 
twelve years old, but the ground between the trees 
can be so cultivated as to pay for their upkeep dur- 
ing the period they are growing to bearing size. 

FILBERT. 

A Filbert is a nut very much like the hazel, which 
is the only nut native to Oregon. It really is the cul- 
tivated cousin of the hazel, and for that reason 
especially adapted to the Oregon climate where its 
cousin, the hazel, thrives in such profusion. The 
filbert is practically frost-proof and is well adapted 
to the hill lands as well as the lowlands, to exposed 
or sheltered locations. The soil must be well drained. 
It bears a paying crop the fifth or sixth year, and 
prices over a ten-year period have averaged 20c per 
pound. The United States used 20,000,000 pounds 
or one-fifth pound per capita last year, and nearly 
all of these were imported. Filbert authorities be- 
lieve the Oregon home-grown variety to be superior 



32 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

and are confident consumption of the Oregon product 
will increase. 

C. A. Reed, nut culturist of the agricultural de- 
partment at Washington, D. C, says the Willamette 
Valley and a small part of Washington are the only 
places in the United States where this nut can be 
grown with great success, and he predicts the Will- 
amette Valley will supply the filberts for the entire 
country. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 25 

In Southern Oregon, in the Rogue River and 
Umpqua Valleys, grow peaches, apples, prunes, 
grapes, walnuts, dates and figs. In the Hood River 
Valley is grown the world-known Hood River berries 
and apples; the Wasco Valley, peaches and apples. 

In Eastern Oregon fruits are raised in the nu- 
merous fertile valleys. Irrigation has made a tre- 
mendous change in the Inland Empire, and has trans- 
formed it into a great fruit area. In the valleys 
along the west coast are found cranberries, straw- 
berries and apples. 

APPLES. 

The western apple has merited its great demand 
in the markets of the world because of its size, en- 
ticing color, excellent flavor. One hundred varieties 
are grown in Oregon but the Spitzenberg and Yellow 
Newton are the leaders, commercially. 

PEARS. 

Oregon produces pears of exceptional quality, 
and several sections of Oregon grow pears which are 
recognized the world over as being unexcelled in 
flavor and quality. The fruit not only keeps but it 
surpasses all others in delicious flavor. The Oregon 
Bartlett is recognized as best in the world. The Boss 
pear is rapidly coming to the front and last year 
surpassed all others in that it topped the market at 
$7.00 per box. To produce the perfect specimen, 
climatic conditions and soil must be perfect. Scien- 
tific cultural method, after careful selection of stock 
and variety, must be followed. Oregon can furnish 
all these. 



26 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

In Southern Oregon irrigation is best for produc- 
tion of a large pear. Five big ditches are being com- 
pleted which will open the following districts: 
Medford Irrigation District. . . . 10,000 acres 

Talent Irrigation District 9,600 acres 

Eagle Point Irrigation District. . 3,000 acres 
Grants Pass Irrigation District. . 14,000 acres 
These great districts are now ready for occupa- 
tion by the home seeker. Other varieties of fruit 
can be grown there, also. 

PEACHES. 

Three thousand acres of this fruit are now bear- 
ing, and most of this land is in the Rogue River and 
Wasco districts. This fruit is shipped to nearby 
markets and canneries. The grower is nearly always 
assured a price consistent with profit due to the 
numerous canneries in the peach growing section 
which take all the stock that cannot be sold in the 
open market as fresh fruit. 

PRUNES. 

The prune is a staple product because of its 
known health giving attributes, and its use is con- 
stantly increasing. It is known that it is equal if not 
superior to that grown anywhere in the world. At 
present there are 40,000 acres in prunes in Oregon. 
It has nearly doubled in the last two years. 

Marion, Yamhill and Polk counties, which are in 
the heart of the Willamette Valley, and Douglas 
county in the Umpqua Valley, contain four-fifths of 
the state's prune acreage. 

This fruit is not very exacting in the soil require- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 27 

ments, and the hill lands which are unsuited to other 
fruits have been found excellently adapted to prunes. 
There is nothing difficult about prune raising. Good 
care will insure good production. Early, thorough 
tillage is the best method of care which leads to 
success. 

CHERRIES. 

There are 4,000 acres of cherries in the state, 
and more being planted every year. Large, Royal 
Annes, Lamberts and Bings thrive best in Oregon. 
Salem is the center of the cherry industry in the 
Willamette Valley, and the annual "Blossom Day" 
draws thousands of visitors. 

Cherries have been found to require rich soil, 
careful tillage, drainage and handling. Because 
large canneries are located throughout the valleys, 
good prices for cherries are paid. Cherry growing 
is easy to master, pays a good dividend, and is a 
good investment. 

SMALL FRUITS. 

Western Oregon's soil and climate are conducive 
to success in berry culture. Development of this 
industry was slow at first, due to perishableness of 
the fruit and the long distance to markets. This 
has now been overcome by the establishment of 
canneries near the berry fields. A near market for 
the product is never found wanting now. The in- 
dustry has now come to depend upon manufacturers 
of fruit juices, jams, jellies, preserves, dehydrated 
or canned fruits. These industries are located in the 
heart of each district with sufficient funds invested 



28 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

to keep pace with the rapidly growing production 
of berries. There are 66 fruit canneries located in 
these districts. 

LOGANBERRY. 

The loganberry is the leading berry of the state 
with 6,000 acres planted in this fruit. Four thousand 
acres are in Marion county, which has much fine 
fertile soil and splendid facilities for handling the 
product. The statistics quoted below do not give 
a maximum record of production. As high as six 
tons has been known to come off one acre, selling at 
18c a pound, bringing the net profit as high as $800 
per acre. 

The vines do not bear the first year they are set 
out, but the second year brings a small crop, and 
the third year they come into full bearing. After 
the third year the vines are good for years to come, 
if proper trimming and care is given them. 

RASPBERRY. 

Raspberries are produced in the same manner 
as loganberries. Some record yields of this fruit 
have been made in Oregon, netting large returns. 
There is a ready market for the berry. 

Loganberries and raspberries are grown nowhere 
else in the world in commercial quantities, except 
in Western Oregon and Washington. The future is 
especially bright in this field of horticulture in 
Oregon. 

STRAWBERRIES. 

In 1919, $100,000 was received by the growers 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 29 

in Oregon, which was 5 per cent of the total tonnage 
grown in the whole United States. 

Hood River Valley has led in strawberry produc- 
tion, but of late the Willamette Valley has had the 
greatest development. Marion county now leads 
with about 1,200 acres. Clatsop, Coos and other coast 
counties have recently entered the industry, and will 
be heavy producers of this fruit. 

There are hundreds of acres in Oregon available 
for this very purpose at reasonable figures. The 
greatest handicap to berry growing heretofore — dis- 
tance to market — has now been overcome by the 
motor truck. The co-operative associations' trucks 
call daily at the patches. 

The Marshall and Wilson are the most exten- 
sively grown. The Wilson, which requires rich soil, 
is an excellent canning berry, and its yield is the 
greatest. The Magoon, Oregon and Gold Dollar 
are important varieties grown extensively west of 
the Cascades, while the Clark Seedling leads east 
of the Cascades. 

CRANBERRIES. 

Cranberries have been known to exist here on 
the coast since the very earliest settlers, but it had 
reached no commercial proportions until 1910. At 
that time 280 acres were set out on the lower Colum- 
bia where the bogs and marshes predominate. This 
section is one of the best in the world because it is 
absolutely frost-free, and the long growing season 
and abundant rainfall, essentials to this type of 
plant, assures a good crop every year. In 1918 
100 acres produced 3,000 barrels. The Clatsop 
county bogs are close to the market because they 



30 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

border the S. P. & S. Railroad and the paved high- 
way. One hundred barrels per acre is not unusual, 
and last year the one acre Delmoor bog in this county 
produced 135 barrels. The best record is held by 
the McFarland Marsh on Coos Bay, which yielded 
1,000 barrels in one five-acre tract. Five hundred 
thousand barrels were produced last year in the 
United States, or about one pint per capita. The 
increase in this industry is not keeping pace with 
the increase in population, it is evident that the 
prospective cranberry grower does not need to fear 
over-production in the immediate future. 

OTHER SMALL FRUITS. 

Large quantities of red and black cap raspber- 
ries thrive. Wild blackberries grow in profusion all 
over the western part of the state, and are in great 
demand by the canneries because of their excep- 
tional flavor. Any family can pick enough during 
the season to amply take care of their needs for the 
winter. One bush will often grow to be 40 feet in 
diameter and six feet high, which will supply a 
whole family with fresh berries from August to late 
October. 

Currants and gooseberries are grown in nearly 
every garden. Wild huckleberries grow in pro- 
fusion, and are picked for the markets every year. 

NUTS. 

The future of the nut industry in Oregon is as- 
sured for the adaptability of Oregon climate and soil 
has been proven in the last decade. There is hardly 
a crop of anything grown that yields a better return 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 31 

on the investment. The walnuts bring the highest 
prices in the market and are unsurpassed for size 
and quality. The average consumption in America 
is one pound per capita per year, and this is con- 
stantly on the increase. Last year the supply gave 
out four months before the new crop came in. There 
are 3,000 acres in bearing at the present time. 

Land in the foothills, which is up out of the 
frost where there is good air and drainage, is best 
suited for walnuts. There is an abundance of just 
such land all over Western Oregon in the very heart 
of the district. It can be purchased reasonably from 
lumber syndicates who have taken off the lumber. 
Walnuts pay on a commercial basis when ten or 
twelve years old, but the ground between the trees 
can be so cultivated as to pay for their upkeep dur- 
ing the period they are growing to bearing size. 

FILBERT. 

A Filbert is a nut very much like the hazel, which 
is the only nut native to Oregon. It really is the cul- 
tivated cousin of the hazel, and for that reason 
especially adapted to the Oregon climate where its 
cousin, the hazel, thrives in such profusion. The 
filbert is practically frost-proof and is well adapted 
to the hill lands as well as the lowlands, to exposed 
or sheltered locations. The soil must be well drained. 
It bears a paying crop the fifth or sixth year, and 
prices over a ten-year period have averaged 20c per 
pound. The United States used 20,000,000 pounds 
or one-fifth pound per capita last year, and nearly 
all of these were imported. Filbert authorities be- 
lieve the Oregon home-grown variety to be superior 



32 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

and are confident consumption of the Oregon product 
will increase. 

C. A. Reed, nut culturist of the agricultural de- 
partment at Washington, D. C, says the Willamette 
Valley and a small part of Washington are the only 
places in the United States where this nut can be 
grown with great success, and he predicts the Will- 
amette Valley will supply the filberts for the entire 
country. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 33 



LIVESTOCK 

Oregon, the finest livestock state in the union, 
because of its even climate and vast expanse of 
grazing land, offers some excellent opportunities for 
wealth, comfort and success. 

It is practically in its infancy when compared to 
what it will be fifteen or twenty years hence. Ore- 
gon has always typified the romance and possibilities 
of the word "West," and the state has been thought 
of in this light rather than of industry and com- 
merce. 

Livestock — Cattle and sheep, have roamed the 
Oregon hills since the arrival of the first pioneers 
who came over the trail by prairie schooner. In 
most of Oregon the change from the sombreroed 
cowboy to the agriculturalist who grows livestock as 
a part of diversified farming has definitely taken 
place. With these changes has come development 
and stability which has made the livestock industry 
which brings Northwestern farmers twenty millions 
in cash annually for fat stock, and fifty millions for 
dairy products. When one looks to the future, and 
sees the tremendous growth in population which is 
sure to come, those that are there now are just 
pioneers. It is only natural to assume that with 
Oregon's wonderful year-round mild climate, and 
vast resources, Oregon is destined to be as thickly 
populated as any state east of the Alleghenies. 

Here are some livestock facts applying to Oregon 
only, which are contributed by the Oregon Agricul- 
tural College. 

The state has twice as many horses, beef cattle, 



34 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

dairy cattle and 7% times as many sheep in propor- 
tion to human population as the average state in 
the union. 

Three-fourths of its area is devoted to grazing. 
Most of the range lands are not suited to cropping, 
but their range-carrying power is being constantly 
increased by fencing and sunken wells for watering. 

Livestock is the major industry in three-fourths 
of the state. 

The development of irrigation is rapidly increas- 
ing the livestock production of the state by increas- 
ing the quantities of winter and finishing feeds. It 
is also tending rapidly to improve livestock quality 
through the development of pure-bred stock. 

The well-balanced grouping of field crops and 
summer and winter ranges makes livestock farming 
less of a hazard in Oregon than in other Western 
states. 

Uniform conditions of climate and feed supply 
with the absence of droughts, extreme cold and feed 
shortage, gives Oregon marked advantages over other 
livestock producing sections. 

The livestock industry finds at Portland the 
largest service in stockyards, market and transpor- 
tation facilities of any place west of the Rocky 
Mountains. The biggest market in the far West is 
thus at the very doors of the entire industry. 

Portland is the distributing center for the live- 
stock and dairy products of the Northwest. She is 
also the center for pure-bred stock of the terri- 
tory west of the Rockies. 

The Pacific International Livestock Exposition, 
which is held annually at Portland, is the largest 
exhibition of livestock in the world. It includes beef 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 35 

cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, rab- 
bits and poultry. It is housed in the largest live- 
stock exposition building in America, which is main- 
tained in Portland for this purpose. Exhibitors are 
registered here annually from all parts of America. 
This great exposition has been a stimulant to the 
livestock industry, and especially an incentive to the 
pure-bred stock raisers. 

Livestock production must by necessity continue 
to be one of the West's industries. Its increase will 
be measured by the construction of irrigation proj- 
ects, the clearing of lands, the increase in popu- 
lation. 

The limit for livestock production is many times 
its present volume, and in both present production 
and future promise, Oregon offers many opportun- 
ities. Many are now wealthy who started with prac- 
tically nothing. 

To the man without capital who wishes to engage 
in this business, it is suggested that he get to this 
virgin territory and secure a position on a farm which 
is a success. Such positions are always open to men 
who are careful, conscientious, and anxious to work, 
as well as anxious to learn. The only way to learn 
anything is to do it. After a man has worked for 
some time he will have enough money saved to pur- 
chase a few cattle and run them with the employers. 
They can also be shipped to the market with the 
employer's stock. A few years, and the employee 
will find he must lease land to run his own herd, 
and this is not hard to do. Many young men have 
taken grazing land homesteads which they are glad 
to lease for the fencing or often just for the care 
and taxes. 



36 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

Also, homesteads of this kind can be bought 
cheaply, and the man who has a few grazing cattle 
can borrow ready cash on them. It is a great field 
of industry which offers an exceptional opportunity 
to the man without capital who is willing to work 
and save for the start. Stock men are very generous 
in helping another man who wants to learn this 
business, and the inside story of many of the finest 
pure-bred livestock farmers in Oregon will disclose 
just such co-operation. 

Another manner in which a man can get a start 
in this industry is taking up a homestead. The home- 
steads of Eastern Oregon are divided into 640 acres 
each. Some of the land is rocky or dry but there 
is always a great portion of it which makes excellent 
grazing land. The homesteads are still open, but of 
course those close to towns are gone. However, it 
is immaterial how far from a town a ranch is. The 
cattle grow and thrive as well there as they do any- 
where else. When time comes to market them they 
can be driven on foot to the railroad or place of 
shipment. 

If a man has capital to invest he can purchase 
grazing land for $5 to $25 per acre. It is known 
that only a very small percent of cattle have perished 
in twenty years due to adverse climatic conditions. 
The chances for success in this field are great, and 
the opportunities are best now while the industry 
and territory is yet young. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 37 



DAIRYING 

The following facts will undoubtedly prove of 
interest to the man who wishes to engage in the 
dairying industry in Oregon: 

Over $200,000,000 are invested in dairy farms 
in the state of Oregon. 

Over 15 million pounds of butter produced an- 
nually. 

It is known that Oregon herds produce 25 per 
cent more butter fat than if the herds were in the 
Middle West. 

Nearly a billion pounds of milk produced an- 
nually. 

There are over eighty creameries in the state, 
many of which are owned by the farmers. 

There are seven milk condenseries. For the year 
ending September, 1920, these condenseries pro- 
duced approximately 50,000,000 pounds. 

There are 69 cheese factories in Oregon. Their 
combined annual production is over 10,000,000 
pounds. 

Oregon supplies over one-third of all the cheese 
used on the Pacific Coast. 

One great fact concerning the dairying industry 
is that it is stabilized. The whole world is a market, 
and the various products in this industry are always 
in demand. 

The farmer has his choice of selling his milk 
to condenseries, his cream to creameries, or cheese 
factories. This always insures a ready market at 
a price consistent with profit. 

The climate in Oregon is ideal for dairying. It is 



38 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

possible for cattle to graze the entire year. Most 
of the dairymen raise all of their own feed. This 
gives them a double profit by the feed which they 
use, and the profit on the product the feed produces. 

Another factor in dairying is that the fertility of 
the soil is kept at its height of productiveness by 
the manure which is used as fertilizer. 

Nearly every farmer has a few cows which pro- 
duce not only milk and butter enough for his own 
household, but enough in addition to keep the house- 
hold supplied with all other forms of groceries. This 
can be done with only two cows for a family of four, 
and ten or fifteen acres of land would be sufficient 
for all the feed. 

The small farmer can, by raising fruit, provide 
his family with all the other necessities of life, and 
create an attractive surplus. 

A man who is able to invest $2,000 could arrange 
to procure such a farm. 

Men have succeeded with considerable less cap- 
ital by obtaining on easy terms unimproved land, 
and clearing it ; depending on outside work at inter- 
vals to support his family. Men have done this with 
a few hundred dollars. » 

It is also possible to rent dairy farms which are 
already in operation. This is not considered the 
best method, but it does give an experienced dairying 
man an opportunity to be making money when he 
investigates possibilities for buying a place of his 
own. 

The man who has $5,000 to $25,000 to invest in 
a dairy farm is assured of success if he manages 
intelligently. 

It has been found that it never pays to stock a 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 39 

farm with inferior grade milch cows. It is far bet- 
ter to have one well-bred cow of known production 
to build the herd on, than a half dozen scrub cows. 

Well bred cows can be purchased at prices rang- 
ing from $125 to $500 — depending on the pedigree. 

Many young men with their wives have obtained 
their start by being employed on a dairy farm. In 
this way the business was learned. When they had 
saved something they either rented a farm or paid 
a small payment down on a farm of their own. 

There is no safer form of investment; nor is 
there a surer or quicker way to independence than 
by owning milch cows. 

Additional information can be obtained by 
writing 

THE STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSN., 
Portland, Oregon. 

THE OREGON DAIRYMAN CO-OP. LEAGUE, 
Portland, Oregon. 

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 
Portland, Oregon. 



40 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



POULTRY 

Another opportunity which Oregon has to offer 
the man who seeks to rid himself of the yoke of 
working for another is the poultry business. The 
markets are conveniently close, the climate is right, 
the price of feed consistent with the selling price to 
insure profit. The production is now below con- 
sumption, and for several years it has been necessary 
to ship eggs from the other states and China. The 
demand for fresh eggs is ever present. 

If the California poultry men can import their 
feed from Oregon, and make a profit, the Oregon 
poultry man should take for himself this profit spent 
in freight. Proximity to the egg markets and grain 
districts insures success to the poultry man in Ore- 
gon. Green food which has been found so essential 
to egg production is grown with success. 

The prices of poultry foods in Oregon is usually 
low because of the thousands and thousands of acres 
of grain in eastern Oregon. California has bought 
large quantities of wheat from Oregon for several 
years past for the purpose of poultry feed. The state 
should be the great poultry and egg producing state 
of the Coast, and as people become more familiar 
with the wonderful possibilities, it will be. 

To start a poultry ranch, a very small amount 
of land and capital is necessary. Many have started 
with one acre. This acre can be purchased near the 
city limits of almost any town for $25 uncleared to 
$200 cleared. A clearing just large enough for 
the hen houses, and the place of abode are all that 
is necessary if it is the intention to purchase the 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 41 

feed. For $150 the lumber for the coops can be pur- 
chased. If it is not desired to take the small chick- 
ens and raise them to pullets of egg-laying age, the 
four or six months' old pure-bred pullets can be 
purchased for $1.00 each. If the methods advocated 
in the free booklets issued by the Oregon Agricul- 
tural College are followed, the pullets should pay for 
themselves and their keep in three months. 

Hens have been known to lay 303 eggs in one 
year, and a hen laying more than 200 is a frequent 
occurrence. The pullets referred to above should 
be purchased in summer and kept during the winter 
when the prices are higher, and their laying ability 
at best. After a year many poultry men sell the 
hens in the market, and purchase new ones. Some 
keep them two years, but they should never be kept 
longer than that because their laying ability de- 
creases. This method of course takes away the care 
of raising the chicks to egg-laying age, and it also 
does away with any speculation as to how many are 
males. 

Another method of acquiring the chicks is to 
purchase them when they are a day old, and raise 
them. This method is tedious, and often more ex- 
pensive when it is taken into consideration the num- 
ber of non-laying birds it is necessary to feed before 
discovery of the males. When a day old they sell 
for from 15c to 25c each. Of course the stock men- 
tioned above is the standard egg-laying birds of 
varieties which have proved their ability. 

Another profitable branch of this industry is 
chicken incubation. Standard incubators of 400-egg 
capacity can be purchased for about $15.00. This, 
of course, takes more knowledge of the business than 



42 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

the care of the layers after they are grown. It also 
is more profitable. As maintained above, the chicks 
sell for 25c each almost as soon as born. The usual 
method is to take the orders in the winter and pre- 
pare incubators for the number sold. 

Last year one boy took orders for 84,000 chicks 
and being a careful, industrious and willing worker, 
he made a very neat profit in a very few months. 
This is a scientific branch of the industry and re- 
quires a thorough study. 

The Washington State College has an experiment 
station at Puyallup, Washington, that offers a short 
course in poultry raising which has proved to be 
very successful. Not a single person, young or old, 
who has completed the course has failed to make 
a good income above living expenses in this business. 

The Oregon Agricultural College at Corvallis, 
Oregon, teaches a thorough course in this field. As 
a special stdudent, any person, regardless of age or 
education, may take the course. There is no limit 
to what one may do with a little knowledge of this 
business. It is a cash business, and the returns mount 
up quickly. 

A lady who was widowed used $1000 insurance 
she received, to take the course and start in busi- 
ness. She started with 500 little chicks, four years 
ago. Today she has her home (new), her automo- 
bile, and her chickens net her $1,500 to $2,400 per 
year above all living and other expenses. It can 
be done by anyone. The main requisite is careful 
attention. 

For further information about the industry, write 
to either of the above named schools. 

For information about good land values for this 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 43 

business, write to the Oregon State Chamber of Com- 
merce, attention Farm Land Bureau. Additional in- 
formation concerning the Farm Land Bureau is given 
on page 49 of this book. 

Detailed information concerning construction and 
cost of all phases of this business is contained in 
Prof. Paul D. Dryden's book on poultry raising. He 
is a specialist and an instructor in poultry raising 
at the Oregon Agricultural College. 



44 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



General Agricultural Opportunities 

There are state lands in the state of Oregon 
which are for sale at $7.50 per acre and up. No 
residence on the land is required, and payments 
can be made in five annual installments of $1.50, 
the first when application is made. Deferred pay- 
ments draw 6 per cent interest. 

The character of this land can only be deter- 
mined by inspection, and it is not suggested that 
purchases be made without an inspection by a friend 
or relative or the prospective purchaser himself. This 
state land is located in the 16th and 36th sections in 
each township. Write to the office of the United 
States Surveyor General, Portland, Oregon, for in- 
formation. Their office contains information as to 
soil, timber growth, and to what uses the land may 
be put. Any person over 18 years of age, who is a 
citizen of the United States, or who has declared 
his intention to become such, may purchase as high 
as 320 acres of such lands. The applicant must de- 
clare on his oath that he does not intend to sell the 
land, but wants it for his own use. A glance at the 
map will disclose which county you desire to enter, 
it all depending on what field of farming you desire 
to go into. 

An idea of the yield and value of the various 
fruits, small fruits and vegetables raised in Western 
Oregon may be obtained from the following table, 
compiled by the horticultural department of the 
Oregon Agricultural College, from a number of Will- 
amette Valley farms, selected at random: 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



45 



2<uOCDOCiCMb-CMCMLOOb-lOOOCOC50rH 

S^OI>0^l0^t-(X)t>G5<NI>lOOH(IiOt- 



'^OtHtHtHt— It-It— ICO 
<1 



(MCO^OO^OWCOIOH 
00(MCDtJ1|>IMWCOOOW^ 
COHH^H^^oOCOHW 













-t" 




Gi 




CO 


IO 














CO 




LO 




6 


LO 


CD 


CM 


CD 


CD 


CO 


oa 


CO 


^ 


LO 


CO 


CD 


O 


LO 


CD 


rH 


O 


t-H 




. y 


00 


CO 


Oi 


© 


t>; 


© 


00 


O 


© 


^ 


CO 


CD 


LO 


0] 


LO < 


O 


O 


O 






d 












rH 






cm 


rH 


CO 




t-H 






t-H 


* 




€/3- 


















CO 




rH 














& 


o3 


72 
X 
42 


CO 

42 


42 


CO 

42 


CO 

42 


CO 

42 


CO 

O 


CO 

42 


CO 

42 


CO 

O 


CO 

44 

CO 


CO 
PI 
O 
+3 


CO 

X 

42 


6 

42 


P! 

42 

N 

T3 


CO 

42 


CO 

44 

CO 


CO 

42 


1 




CO 


CD 


lO 


b- 


CM 


t- 


CD 


CO 


O 


CM 


00 


LO 


CD 


O 


CD 


00 


LO 


T? 


ca 


t-H 


N 


t-H 


O 


O 


rf 


LO 


10 




Ol 


cm 

t-H 


O 

b- 


O 


^ 


CO 


Ol 


t-H 


£ 




t-H 


CM 


t-H 


t-H 

cm 


CM 


00 
00 


CM 


©^ 


of 




CM 


CO 
rH 


CO 

t-H 


t-H 


t-H 

CO 


4-» 


















t-H 
















CM 




T-H 












. 




CO 








CO 




CO 


. 




d 
42 








-5 


ft 


CO 
42 


CO 

X 

42 


6 

42 


CO 

42 


CO 

X 
42 


CO 
43 


CO 

42 


CO 

42 


PJ 
O 


CO* 

CO 


PJ 

O 


CO 

X 

42 


6 

42 




CO 

42 


CO 

44 

CO 


CO* 
40 


o 
f-l 


O 


o 


05 


O 


t-H 


O 


t-H 


O 


LO 


^ CD 


CD 


CO 


O 


O 


O 





O 




O 


O 


OS 


■^ 


O 


^ 


O 


CO 


^ 


Ol 


T-T- 


CM 


O.] 


CM 


O 


O 


O 


LO 


O 


.s 


■— i 


CO 


CO 


CM 


t-H 


lO 


N 


CD 


^ 


CD 


LO 


«tf 


CM 


t-H 


0^1 


c© 


©^ 


CM 


t-H 


ctf 




















CD 
t-H 




















O 


CD 


00 


t-H 


CO 


"# 


tjT 


O 


LO 


Ol 


CO 




CM 




LO~ 


CM 




rh 


s> 


LO 




CO 


<M 


cm 


© 


t-H 


b- 


^ 


CO 








tH 


© 




T~\ 


S 








©^ 




rH 




















y~i 






< 










C0~ 































i 

On 



J3<J ^Ol 



iN 



q, iH tH iH iH 

*h © LO © CO b- 

3 O rH ^H CM t-H 

< CM CM ^ rH 



£ ft 1 - 1 



00 © © © 

CO CO CO t-H 



X 
o 

42 
co w 
.2 « 
ft % 
ft g 

<! Ph 






CO 
CD 

o 

ctf 
cd 



rH 00 
10) CD 



b- O 
b- ^ 



CO 

CD 

42 

o3 

C/2 



.W sjl sTj v^ 



IO CO C5 00 CO r- 1 © © CM 
tH CO CM tH t-H 






cm a 

tH 00 



CM 00 
CM 



(M 00 H ^ 00 H Id 



CO 0) 42 

<U 42 PJ 

ft a 03 

c3 co bO * 

*h cC o 



CD 

bC 
c8 
42 
42 

o 



42 

rH 

>> OS 
^ 42 



Hfqup,' 



CO Q. 

ft -S 1 

Pi CO 

H Ph 



46 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

All of the products cited in the above statistics 
are grown in Oregon, and at a glance one can see 
the possibilities of a small farm in this state. The 
incomes per acre shown are not high, and do not 
give any idea of the possibilities under proper care 
and careful tillage. The man who is willing to work 
will easily achieve success on a five-acre tract of 
land. A half acre tract of several of the commod- 
ities mentioned will net good returns, and by hav- 
ing a variety, a steady income is assured. 

If the state lands are all sold in the section in 
which you desire to locate, you can purchase logged 
off land. The clearing of this land is difficult, but 
it is worth the effort. The soil is rich, having stood 
for centuries, its fertility being added to yearly by 
decaying vegetation. Logged off lands can be bought 
on easy terms from logging companies at from $5 
to $50 an acre. Lumber can be bought for $200 
which will build a suitable house. While the clear- 
ing is being made, chickens can be raised with profit 
which will more than pay for the clearing. (Refer 
to Poultry for figures.) A cow may be kept which 
will supply family needs. Vegetables can be raised 
between the stumps which will take care of all the 
home needs. Potatoes thrive in all sections of 
Oregon. 

An excellent plan that is being followed by many 
is to raise chickens, which bring cash for immediate 
needs and improvements. There is immediate profit 
in poultry which pays for the clearing of the rest of 
the land. No clearing is necessary except for the 
erection of the chicken house, and the rest can be 
done at the leisure of the owner. There are cases 
of men who have arrived here with nothing, and 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 47 

inside of four years owned their ranch, cleared and 
planted in fruit and berries, built themselves a home, 
and owned an automobile. Devotion to duty and con- 
stant care is required for successful chicken raising, 
but if it leads to the ownership of your own ranch it 
has been found to be worth the effort. 

Methods of Procuring Oregon Land. 

There are several plans by which a man with 
courage and ambition may get located on an Oregon 
ranch. Three years ago the Oregon legislature 
passed a law which provided a large sum of money 
for the purpose of assisting willing and conscientious 
men in getting settled on a model ranch. This act 
provided for a commission of five representative citi- 
zens to be selected from various sections of the state 
and appointed by the governor. It is known as the 
Land Settlement Commission, whose duty it is to 
establish in different sections of the state, model 
farms for settlers, all modern improvements are 
made, including a modern bungalow, doors and win- 
dows well screened and just as neat as any city 
bungalow. Modern farm buildings are built and so 
arranged as to reduce the work to a minimum. The 
object is to create a one-man farm that will be in- 
tensively cultivated and operated under ideal living 
conditions for the farmer and his family. The farm 
will be stocked with fine breeds of cattle, horses, 
sheep, dogs, etc., and modern machinery that will 
meet the needs of that particular locality will be 
installed. 

The land selections will be made by the commis- 
sion with the assistance of the instructors at the 



48 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

Oregon Agricultural College. The acreage will de- 
pend upon the purpose for which the ground will be 
used. If for fruit, 20 acres is all one man can han- 
dle ; dairying, 20 to 40 acres ; diversified farming, 40 
to 60 acres and if for grain and stock raising a great- 
er area will be prepared. When these places are 
all constructed and prepared for occupancy they 
will be sold at cost. Terms are granted to the extent 
that a payment down may be made and the balance 
paid in annual installments at a fair rate of interest. 
Write to Mr. George Quail, Secretary, 105 Oregon 
Building, Portland, Oregon. 

It takes time and much money to build many 
such farms as described above and of course every 
one cannot be taken care of immediately. However, 
in order to safeguard the interests of any man coming 
to Oregon to purchase a farm, the Oregon State 
Chamber of Commerce has a plan that will appeal 
to the individual. If a man intending to come to 
Oregon who has less than $1,500 he should rent for a 
year or two and then make a purchase, as much less 
than $1,500 would hardly carry him through the 
purchase of equipment and current expenses until 
the first crop is harvested. However, if a man has 
$1,500 or more, he can invest in farm properties 
in this state, intelligently farm it himself, he will 
succeed. Before making the purchase the Oregon 
State Chamber of Commerce, Portland, Oregon, will 
furnish free, complete detailed information concern- 
ing every part of the state for his examination and 
determination as to what section of the state is most 
suitable to his needs. After the applicant makes his 
decision and notifies the Chamber they will canvas 
that particular district and ascertain what properties 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 49 

are for sale and what property he can purchase with 
what money he has available. This will be done 
through various dealers who must submit detailed 
information to the applicant, under the inspection 
and supervision of the Chamber. The applicant then 
picks the property or properties which suit him, noti- 
fies the board and appraisers will be sent to inspect 
and appraise it. These appraisers will be three 
disinterested persons who are familiar with values 
in that locality. They are appointed one by the 
bankers, one by the Commercial Club and one by 
the County Court. A description of the property 
will be sent the Chamber, who will check it over 
and if satisfactory the deal will be consummated, if 
all parties agree. 

By this method the prospective farmer will have 
the signed approval of the Chamber of Commerce 
and the Realty Board, Bankers, County Court and 
the Commercial Club of the section in which he has 
made his purchase. 

For further information write to the Oregon State 
Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Building, Portland, 
Oregon. 

(From the Oregon Almanac) 

"Farm Land Bureau — A Bureau is maintained 
that lists lands offered for sale, having such lands 
appraised by qualified appraisers. The purpose is 
to bring buyer and seller together with a minimum 
of expense and furnish reliable information relative 
to land descriptions and prices. The homeseeker 
often encounters difficulties in finding lands that 
meet his requirements and if he will make his wants 
known the Bureau will endeavor to put him in touch 
with owners of desirable lands. No fees or com- 



50 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

missions are charged by the Bureau. Address, Farm 
Land Bureau, Oregon State Immigration Commission, 
Portland, Oregon. 

"The Farm Land Bureau of the Oregon State 
Immigration Commission was made a part of that 
organization on the 18th of February, 1914. The 
purpose of the Bureau is to secure data and informa- 
tion of a reliable character, in order that the home- 
seeker and settler may be supplied with such infor- 
mation as will enable him to find desirable land at 
a minimum of expense. In order to acquire a knowl- 
edge of lands and their values, the listings of many 
farms have been secured, giving a minute descrip- 
tion, together with the price and terms offered, and 
these lands have been appraised by thoroughly 
qualified and competent appraisers, thus giving the 
Bureau not only the listing of particular tracts, but 
a general knowledge as to land values in each lo- 
cality. 

"The information contained in these listings is 
for the benefit of homeseekers and settlers. It is 
gathered by the Oregon State Immigration Commis- 
sion, with co-operation of local community organi- 
zations of business men and farmers. Every effort 
is made to see that this information is conservative 
and accurate. All of these listings that have been 
appraised and such others as appear reasonable are 
published in booklet form, which will be sent upon 
request. While the Bureau cannot guarantee the 
listings thus published, yet thorough investigation 
has been made and it is reasonable to assume that 
the description is correct and the prices quoted are 
fair. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 51 

"Many tracts of from 1,000 to 5,000 acres are 
listed; such tracts being desirable for colonization 
purposes. Special attention will be given in cases 
where a number of families desire to locate on ad- 
joining lands. 

"No commissions or fees are accepted or shared 
by the Oregon State Immigration Commission or any 
of the organizations affiliated with it. It is the 
intent of the Commission to serve homeseekers and 
to assist them in every possible way, to save ex- 
pense and protect their own interests in inspecting 
and purchasing lands. The Commission has no land 
for sale, nor derives any direct or indirect profit of 
any character whatsoever from the sale of lands or 
the location of settlers. Inquirers are put in direct 
communication with the owner or agent of tracts 
listed. 

"Information of a general character is furnished 
relative to the homestead lands of the State, giving 
the location of unappropriated lands and the uses 
to which such lands are best adapted. A complete 
description of the many irrigation projects of the 
State is on file in this office, and information of a 
general character with regard to irrigation in Oregon 
will be furnished upon request. 

"In requesting information relative to farm lands 
it would be well if the homeseeker would state the 
number of acres desired, the kind of farming he 
wishes to follow and the amount of money he wants 
to invest. With this knowledge the Bureau would 
be able to give information of a more detailed 
characters." 

Write Farm Land Bureau of Oregon State Immi- 
gration Commission, Portland, Oregon. 



52 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



HOMESTEADS 

There are large areas of unappropriated Govern- 
ment lands all over the state, but the day of desirable 
homesteads in Oregon is almost past. There is much 
land in Eastern and Central Oregon, which is open, 
but it will need water before it can be made profit- 
able, and the uncertainty of when this will take 
place makes immediate financial return almost im- 
possible. When the water is put upon this land it 
will be valuable. Very little open land can be found 
elsewhere in the state that could be called desirable 
for agricultural purposes. The timber on these claims 
is worth something, but immediately one encounters 
the difficulty of harvesting it. 

Accurate and up-to-the-minute statistics are not 
available at this time, but it is estimated that there 
are more than 10,000,000 acres of land now avail- 
able under the homestead and other public land laws. 
It is mostly mountainous or semi-arid in character 
and while it will some time be valuable, the cost of 
taking it up and complying with the laws would have 
to be done without any prospects of immediate re- 
turns. 

The law relating to ordinary lands limits an 
entry to 160 acres. In the semi-arid regions one is 
permitted to take 320 acres, while the grazing 
land for stock raising may be homesteaded up to 
640 acres. 

Any person who does not own more than 160 acres 
of land in any state or territory, and who is over 
twenty-one years of age and a citizen of the U. S. or 
has declared his intention to become such, and who 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 53 

has not taken a homestead before, is qualified to 
take up a homestead. Married women whose hus- 
bands have deserted them, or are incapacitated by- 
disease or otherwise from supporting them, or whose 
husbands are in the penitentiary and the wife sup- 
ports the family, may take land under this homestead 
act. Excepting as above specified, a married woman 
is not eligible. 

In the matter of residence the person must take 
up his residence on the land within six months after 
date of entry. The entryman may not be absent more 
than two periods aggregating not more than five 
months. He may only do this providing he files with 
the local land office date of leaving and date of re- 
turn. 

Cultivation is required for three years and during 
the second year not less than one-sixteenth of the 
land filed on must be brought under cultivation, and 
actually cultivated and during the third year not 
less than one-eighth must be actually cultivated, ex- 
cepting stock-raising homesteads, where no specific 
amount of cultivation is required. Improvements to 
the extent of $1.25 per acre must be made on stock- 
raising homesteads. At the end of three years, when 
proof is made a house and other improvements that 
will show good faith, must have been made. 

Credit Given for Military Service. 

For each year in service a man is given credit 
for one year on homestead up to two years. 

No matter how much military service a man has 
had as a sailor, soldier or marine, he must spend at 
least one year and show one year's improvement on 



54 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

the place. If a person has had two years' mili- 
tary service, he has only to spend one year on the 
place, show a year's improvement and prove up. 
Out of that one year's residence required, the 
soldier or sailor entryman is entitled to five 
months leave, the same as any other entryman. If 
discharged because of wounds or disabilities in- 
curred in the line of duty, credit for the whole term 
of enlistment will be given. A habitable house must 
be on the land at time of proving up. Widows and 
minor orphan children may make entry and receive 
credit for the term of service of the husband or 
father. 

OREGON-CALIFORNIA R. R. GRANT LANDS. 

This tract of land reverted to the Government 
by the act of June 9th, 1916. 

A great deal of this land has been classed as 
agricultural and is now open to entry. More than 
45,000 acres have been taken, but there is a great 
deal of land still open to entry. That which has 
already been taken was close to the markets. 

Law in Regard to Payments. 

If the area selected is less than 81 acres, an 
entry fee of $5.00 must accompany the application. 
If more than 81 acres, $10.00 must accompany the 
application. Also commissions at the rate of 3% on 
lands valued at $2.50 per acre or a flat rate of 71/2 
cents per acre. Fifty cents an acre must also be paid 
as the first installment, another payment of $2.00 
per acre must be made at time of final proof. 

Residence requirements same as those of the 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 55 

Homestead law but without any requirements in re- 
gard to cultivation. The area that is cultivated must 
be enough to satisfy the Secretary of the Interior that 
the entry was made in good faith for settlement and 
not for speculation. 

For further information and details as to how a 
person may get located on this tract, write the Reg- 
ister, Government Land Office, Roseburg, Oregon. 



5b THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



IRRIGATED LANDS 

Oregon is one of the best watered states in the 
West. At present there are nearly one million acres 
irrigated. There are nearly a million and a half 
acres capable of irrigation. It is estimated that 
2,500,000 acres in Oregon will be ultimately irri- 
gated and 2,500,000 additional doubled in product- 
iveness by drainage. 

The irrigable lands are located in eastern and 
southern Oregon. The claimable lands by drainage 
are along the lower Columbia River and the Coast, 
and nearly 1,000,000 acres in the Willamette Valley. 
Much of this land is practically idle. When re- 
claimed, these lands will be worth from $40 to $1,000 
per acre, and will provide homes for thousands of 
families, and stimulate trade in all other industries. 

Some of these lands, at their present low prices, 
afford wonderful investment opportunities to those 
who can buy them, and wait until they are re- 
claimed, which cannot be very long with the pres- 
ent rapid growth of the State's wealth. 

The opportunities and possibilities of settlement 
and development by the courageous ambitious and 
willing worker with sufficient capital for a small 
investment can hardly be duplicated anywhere in 
the United States. Oregon has vast acreages located 
at altitudes from sea level to 5,000 feet, where the 
annual rainfall ranges from 10 to 120 inches, waiting 
for the industrious homeseeker. The State is di- 
vided into six zones because of natural differences 
in soil and climate, namely the Columbia Basin, the 
Willamette Valley, Eastern Oregon, Southern Ore- 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 57 

gon, and the Counties along the Coast. In all of these 
districts, irrigation is going forward by leaps and 
bounds. Following is information concerning all the 
projects in the state. 

UMATILLA GOVERNMENT PROJECTS. 

(From Land Settlement Bulletin issued by Oregon State Chamber of 

Commerce.) 

Located in Umatilla and Morrow Counties. Alti- 
tude 450 feet. Principal towns, Hermiston, Uma- 
tilla and Boardman. Headquarters and offices at 
Hermiston. Total acreage, 26,300. Irrigated in 
1918, 6,819 acres. Value of crop, $400,642. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, corn and fruit. Princi- 
pal industries, dairying, hog raising, general farming 
and fruit raising. 

On main line of O.-W. R. & N. Railroad and on 
the Columbia River, affording both rail and water 
transportation and excellent marketing facilities. 
Principal markets — Portland, Seattle and Spokane. 

Number of farms on project, 544. Price of land, 
including water rights, $50 to $300 per acre. Oper- 
ation and maintenance charge, $2.00 per acre per 
year. Very long growing season and moderate cli- 
mate. 

KLAMATH GOVERNMENT PROJECT. 

Located in Klamath County, Oregon, and Sis- 
kiyou and Modoc Counties in California. Altitude, 
4,100 feet. Principal town and headquarters, Klam- 
ath Falls, Oregon. Total acreage when completed, 
141,682. Irrigated in 1922, 70,000 acres. Acres 
cropped in 1918, 32,127. Value of crops, 1918, 
$929,131. 



58 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

Principal crops — Grains, alfalfa and hardier veg- 
etables. Principal agricultural industries — Live- 
stock, general farming and some dairying. 

On branch line of Southern Pacific Railroad, with 
Portland and San Francisco principal marketing 
points. 

Number of farms on project, 600, with popula- 
tion of 1,480. Population of towns, 5,700. Price of 
lands, $60.00 to $200.00 per acre, depending on im- 
provements, location, etc. Terms on water right — 
payment 20 years without interest. Operation and 
maintenance charge, 85 cents to $1.25 per acre. 

STATE TUMALO IRRIGATION PROJECT. 

Located in Deschutes County. Altitude, 3,200 
feet. Total acreage when projec t is completed, 
22,500. 5,678 acres were irrigated and in crop 
in 1918. 

The principal crops are alfalfa, clover, wheat, 
oats, barley, potatoes, root crops and corn for en- 
silage. The principal industries are livestock, dairy- 
ing, potato growing and poultry raising. 

Bend, Redmond and Deschutes are the principal 
railroad points. This is a project built by the State 
of Oregon at a cost of $460,000.00. There are 175 
farms on the project. 

Land, including water rights, is priced at $40.00 
per acre, 20-year term payments at 5 per cent inter- 
est. Operation and maintenance charges, $1.00 per 
acre per year. Privately owned lands sell at prices 
ranging from $60.00 to $150.00 per acre. No severe 
climatic conditions. Project office, Tumalo, Oregon. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 59 

CENTRAL OREGON IRRIGATION COMPANY. 

Government Carey Act Project. Located in Des- 
chutes and Crook Counties. Altitude, 2,800 to 3,400 
feet. Principal towns — Bend, Redmond and Prine- 
ville. Headquarters, Deschutes, Oregon. Total acre- 
age when completed, 140,000 acres; 31,097 acres 
were irrigated in 1918 and 22,261 acres produced 
crops valued at $908,153. 

Principal crops raised are alfalfa, clover, timothy, 
grain, potatoes and all kinds of root crops. Principal 
agricultural industries are livestock, dairying and 
raising of forage crops for market. There is a good 
local market for produce, and excellent railroad 
transportation provides an outlet to the larger mar- 
ket centers. 

There are 700 farms on the project now under 
irrigation. The population outside of towns is 1,481 
and in towns about 7,000. 

The price of unimproved lands, including water 
right, is about $45.00 per acre, 25 per cent cash, bal- 
ance in five equal payments at 6 per cent interest. 
Operation and maintenance charge, 80 cents to $1.00 
per acre per annum. Improved privately owned 
lands can be purchased at from $100.00 to $150.00 
per acre, including the water right. 

SQUAW CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Deschutes County. Altitude, 2,800 
feet. Total acreage, 8,143, all of which is under cul- 
tivation and irrigated. 

The principal crops are clover, alfalfa, wheat, 
rye, corn (ensilage) and potatoes. Livestock and 
dairying are the principal industries. 



60 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

The lands are from 10 to 20 miles from Redmond 
and Bend, the railroad points; are all under private 
ownership and can be purchased at prices ranging 
from $80.00 to $100.00 per acre, according to dis- 
tance from market. Operation and maintenance 
charges, 60 cents per acre per year. No severe cli- 
matic conditions. 

OCHOCO IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Crook County. Altitude, 2,860 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Prineville, Ore- 
gon. Total acreage in project, 22,000; 6,000 acres 
more dry farmed. Value of 1918 crops, $425,000.00. 

Principal crops, alfalfa, grains and root crops. 
Agricultural industries, livestock, dairying and gen- 
eral farming. 

Railroad through project. Cost of project, 
$1,100,000. Number of irrigated farms, 200. Pop- 
ulation, outside of towns, 500; in towns, 1,500. 

Price of lands, including water rights, raw lands 
about $35.00 per acre; cleared lands, $50.00 per 
acre; seeded to alfalfa, $150.00 per acre. A charge 
of $4.00 per acre per annum is made for operation 
expenses and interest on bonded indebtedness. 

NORTH UNIT IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Jefferson County, Altitude, 2,000 to 
2,700 feet. Principal towns, Madras, Metolius and 
Culver. Total acreage in project, 100,000, nearly all 
of which is under cultivation and raising grains un- 
der dry farming, but with only moderate success. 
When irrigated the crops will be alfalfa, grain and 
root crops. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 61 

Bonds to the amount of $5,000,000.00 have been 
voted for construction of the project. Estimated con- 
struction cost, $55.58 per acre. 

On Oregon Trunk and O.-W. R. & N. railroads, 
giving excellent marketing facilities. Land, without 
water rights, at present selling from $20.00 to $30.00 
per acre. 

SUTTLES LAKE IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Jefferson County. Altitude, 2,600 
feet. Total acreage to be reclaimed, 35,000; 5,000 
acres now under irrigation, 1922. An irrigation dis- 
trict has been formed and actual construction con- 
templated in the near future. All of the lands are 
under private ownership, and unimproved lands are 
selling at about $10.00 per acre. Improved lands 
from $20.00 to $30.00 per acre, to which must be 
added the cost of water rights. Nearest railroad 
point, 11 miles. Headquarters, Grandview, Oregon. 

EAST FORK IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Hood River County. Principal town 
and headquarters, Hood River, Oregon. Total acre- 
age in project, 13,398, of which 11,064 acres are 
irrigable; 7,600 acres are now under irrigation. 

Principal crops, apples and strawberries. 

Located on main line of O.-W. R. & N. and S., 
P. & S. and on Columbia River, affording both rail 
and water transportation. The fruits of Hood River 
Valley go to all markets of the world. 

Price of land from $600 to $1,000 per acre. 
Operation and maintenance charges, $2.50 per acre 
per year. 



62 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

WAPINITA IRRIGATION COMPANY. 

Located in Wasco County. Altitude, 1,800 feet. 
Principal towns, Wapinitia (headquarters of project) 
and Maupin, Oregon. Project now under construc- 
tion. Total acreage in project, 30,000, of which 500 
acres were irrigated in 1918. 

Principal crops — Wheat, alfalfa and root crops. 
Agricultural industries — General farming and live- 
stock raising. On O.-W. R. & N. and Oregon Trunk 
railroads. 

Lands are now being successfully farmed under 
dry farming methods, but with irrigation forage and 
vegetable crops, and fruit will be profitably raised. 
Lands are all privately owned and, without water 
rights, are being sold from $35.00 to $75.00 per acre. 
Water rights, $50.00 per acre on term payments. 

GOOSE LAKE VALLEY IRRIGATION COMPANY. 

Located in Lake Counity. Altitude 4,800 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Lakeview, Ore- 
gon. Acreage in project, 30,000. Irrigated and 
cropped in 1918 — 10,000 acres. Value of crops, 
$200,000. Principal crops — grains, alfalfa and root 
crops. Principal agricultural industries — livestock, 
general farming and some dairying. Northern ter- 
minus of N. C. O. Railway. 

Number of farms on project, 200; number irri- 
gated, 100. Lands are privately owned and sell at 
about $75.00 per acre, including water right. Terms 
on some lands, 20 to 30 years, interest 6 per cent. 
Operation and maintenance charge, $1.25 per acre 
per year. Dry lands can be purchased at from 
$20.00 to $50.00 per acre and water for these lands 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 63 

at $35.00 per acre. Terms on water contract, 20 
to 30 years. 

SILVER LAKE IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Lake County. Altitude 4,476 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Silver Lake, Ore- 
gon. Ninety miles to Bend, nearest railroad point. 
New railroad construction in prospect. Total acre- 
age in district, 8,177, of which 7,777 are irrigable. 
Two thousand acres under cultivation, 1922. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, grains and forage. Ag- 
ricultural industries — Livestock and dairying. 

Lands, including water rights, are selling at 
from $45.00 to $75.00 per acre. Estimated cost of 
water rights, $37.50 per acre; terms on water con- 
tract, 30 years at 6 per cent interest. 

THE HORSEFLY IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Klamath County. Altitude 4,100 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Bonanza, Oregon. 
System only partly completed and small acreage re- 
claimed in 1918. Acreage in first unit now under 
construction, 7,000 acres. Total acreage in project, 
19,800. 

Principal crops — Grains, alfalfa and root crops. 
Principal agricultural industries — Livestock and 
dairying. Portland and California points chief mar- 
keting centers. 

Lands are privately owned and, including water 
rights, are selling for prices ranging from $50.00 
to $75.00 per acre. Operation and maintenance 
charge, $2.00 and $3.00 per acre per annum. 



64 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

WALKER BASIN IRRIGATION COMPANY. 

A Government Carey Act project. Located in 
Deschutes County. Altitude, 4,200 feet. Principal 
town and headquarters, La Pine, Oregon. Thirty- 
two miles south of Bend, nearest railroad point. 

Twenty-five thousand acres in project, with only 
small acreage under irrigation. Nine miles of main 
canal completed and additional construction under 
way at the present time. 

Principal crops — Grasses and root crops. Agri- 
cultural industries — Livestock and dairying. 

Government lands, including the water rights, 
$36.00 per acre on 20 years terms at 6 per cent. 
Operation and maintenance charge estimated at 
about 50 cents per acre per year. Lands are cov- 
ered with a scattering growth of Jack Pine timber. 
Well water for domestic use at from 12 to 15 feet. 

TEEL IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Umatilla County. Altitude, 700 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Echo, Oregon. 
There are approximately 16,000 acres in the project. 

The principal crops are grains, alfalfa, fruit and 
root crops. On main line of O.-W. R. & N. System, 
affording excellent transportation facilities. 

Price of lands, without water rights, $30.00 to 
$50.00 per acre. Water rights estimated at $70.00 
per acre, on 20 years time at 6 per cent. No pay- 
ment required on principal during the first ten years. 

PAYETTE-OREGON SLOPE IRRIGATION 
DISTRICT. 

Located in Malheur County. Altitude, {2,100 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 65 

feet. Principal town and headquarters, Payette, 
Idaho. Acreage in project, 6,700. Irrigated in 1918, 
5,184 acres. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, wheat, corn and pota- 
toes. Agricultural industries — General farming and 
fruit growing. On main line of Union Pacific System. 

The price of lands range from $250.00 per acre 
downward, depending on the nature of the improve- 
ments, location, etc. 

Mild climate and long growing season. 

WARMSPRINGS IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in ^Malheur County. Altitude^ 2,200 
feet. Principal towns of district, Ontario and Vale, 
Oregon. Headquarters at Vale. Total acreage, 
31,600, of which 12,400 acres were under irrigation 
and cropped in 1918. 

Principal crops — Grains, alfalfa, corn, root crops 
and fruit. Principal industries — General farming, 
dairying and livestock. Alfalfa yields from 6 to 8 
tons per acre. 

Good railroad transportation and excellent mar- 
keting facilities. Project when completed will cost 
about $1,300,000.00 Lands mostly privately owned 
and sell from $100.00 to $300.00 per acre, including 
water rights. Good climate, with a long growing 
season. 

GOLD HILL IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Jackson County. Altitude, 1,100 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Gold Hill, Oregon. 
Total acreage in project, 5,000. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, fruits, grain and gar- 



66 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

den truck. Alfalfa yields from 6 to 8 tons per acre. 
Agricultural industries — General farming, dairying 
and fruit raising. 

On main line of Southern Pacific Railway. Num- 
ber of farms on project, 50. Population, outside of 
towns, 200. 

Price of lands, including water rights, $100.00 to 
$400.00 per acre, depending on nature of improve- 
ments. Operation and maintenance charge, $2.00 
per acre per annum. Splendid climatic conditions 
and a long growing season. 

GRANTS PASS IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Josephine County. Altitude, 963 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Grants Pass, Ore- 
gon. Total acreage of project, 13,000 acres, 
products. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, grains, fruits, berries 
and root crops. Principal agricultural industries — 
Fruit raising, dairying, livestock and general farm- 
ing. Alfalfa yields 6 tons per acre. On main line 
of Southern Pacific Railway, affording excellent mar- 
keting facilities. 

Lands are privately owned and range in price 
from $75.00 to $400.00 per acre for improved land; 
$10.00 to $40.00 for uncleared land. Very mild cli- 
mate and long growing season. 

TALENT IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Jackson County. Altitude, 1,657 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Talent, Oregon. 
Project only partly constructed. Total acreage to be 
irrigated, 8,500. Irrigated in 1918, 1,000 acres. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 67 

All of the lands of the project are under cultivation 
and have been dry farmed for many years. Irriga- 
tion will increase the yield and quality of the 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, grains, fruits, berries 
and root crops. Alfalfa yields from 5 to 8 tons 
per acre. Agricultural industries — Livestock, dairy- 
ing and fruit raising. 

On main line of Southern Pacific Railway, afford- 
ing excellent shipping facilities. Local market good. 
Lands are privately owned and sell at prices ranging 
from $200.00 to $300.00 per acre, including water 
rights. 

Operation and maintenance charge estimated at 
$1.50 per acre per year. Very mild climate and long 
growing season. 

MEDFORD IRRIGATION DISTRICT. 

Located in Jackson County. Altitude, 1,350 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Medford, Oregon. 
Total acreage, 19,565. Bonds to the amount of 
$1,500,000.00 have been voted for construction of 
the project. 

Principal crops — Hay, grain, fruit and vegetables. 
Principal agricultural industries — Livestock, fruit 
growing and general farming. On main line of the 
Southern Pacific Railroad. 

Number of farms on project, 670, with popula- 
tion of about 2,500. Population in towns, 20,000. 
All lands privately owned. Price of lands, with 
water rights, $400.00 to $2,000.00 per acre, which 
are sold on long time payments at 6 and 7 per cent 
interest. Very mild climate and long growing season. 



68 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

JORDAN VALLEY IRRIGATION PROJECT. 

Located in Malheur County. Altitude, 4,200 feet. 
Principal town and headquarters, Jordan Valley, 
Oregon. Sixty-five miles from Caldwell, Idaho, near- 
est railroad point. Acreage in project, 38,000, part 
of which is now under irrigation. 

Principal crops are grain and hay. Livestock 
raising is chief industry. Large free outside range. 

Lands sell at from $25.00 to $50.00 per acre, 
with water rights. 

WESTERN LAND AND IRRIGATION COMPANY 

Located in Umatilla County. Altitude, 500 feet. 
Principal town, iHermiston, Oregon. Acreage in 
project, 12,000. 

Principal crops — Alfalfa, corn and root crops. 
Chief industries are livestock and dairying. 

On main line of O.-W. R. & N. 

OTHER PROJECTS. 

There are a number of irrigation districts in dif- 
ferent parts of the State that have recently been or- 
ganized, or are in process of organization. Very 
little definite information concerning these is obtain- 
able at this time. 

Two new districts are being formed in the Rogue 
River Valley. In Baker County there are 146,500 
acres capable of irrigation, and several new districts 
have recently been organized, among which are the 
Sparta Project of 10,000 acres, the Hereford District 
of 5,000 acres, the Unity District of 8,000 acres, the 
Durkee and Bridgeport Units of 6,000 acres and the 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 6£ 

Medical Springs Project of 4,500 acres. In addition 
to these are two major projects, the Powder River 
Valley Project of 65,000 acres and the Baker 
Valley Project of 45,000 acres. The latter is, for the 
most part, privately owned and is being extensively 
farme dat present. The Powder River Valley Project 
was set aside as a Carey Act Project a number of 
years ago, but very little development work has been 
done. There are 40,000 acres of government land in 
this project, the balance being privately owned. 

Note — All of the above information concerning 
irrigation projects was taken from the Land Settle- 
ment Bulletin issued by the State Chamber of Com- 
merce. Some changes were made in bringing infor- 
mation up to date. 

Each project was brought up to date where the 
information was available. 



70 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



FISHING INDUSTRY 

The fishing industry is divided into classes as 
follows: Salmon, Clams, Herring, Sardines, Pilch- 
ards, Crabs. The most important is the salmon. The 
Columbia River produces more salmon than any- 
other in the world. 

At the present time there are about twenty-one 
salmon canneries on the banks of this river. The 
combined output for these canneries in 1919 was 
580,028 cases, valued at $7,490,920. 

Most of the salmon packed on the Columbia 
river are known to the trade as Chinooks, and are 
considered to be the finest salmon canned. They 
rank with the Puget Sound Sockeye in quality, and 
the price is usually the same. 

For the Investor. 

Three locations should be considered — Alaska, 
Puget Sound, Washington and the Columbia River. 

Alaska packs the largest amount, with over four 
million cases to her credit in 1919. 

Puget Sound next, with over a million the same 
year, and the Columbia River third with 580,028 
cases. 

Packers who confined their packs to the best 
grades of salmon have met with the most consistent 
success. By the best grades is meant, Columbia 
River Chinook, Puget Sound Sockeye and Alaska Red 
Salmon. 

The other grades consisting chiefly of Cohoes (me- 
dium red), Pinks, and Chums are just as edible as 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 71 

far as food is concerned, though they have not the 
flavor of the other grades due to their natural oil; 
and the buying public has been educated to buy only 
the red salmon. They are much cheaper, due to 
their excess numbers, and will prove consistent 
money-makers for packers if widely advertised, and 
the public is taught the truth. 

The Columbia River Chinook, the Puget Sound 
Sockeye, and the Alaska Red Salmon have always 
enjoyed a good demand, and the selling prices have 
been consistently high enough for the packers to 
make a good profit. 

Most of the labor used in packing is done by 
Chinese, Philippinoes and Japs, and is contracted for 
the canning season. The packer usually guarantees 
a fixed amount. 

The positions as inspector, foreman, superintend- 
ent, storekeeper, timekeeper, etc., are filled by white 
men, and in many instances are college students who 
make enough in this manner to pay for their school- 
ing during the winter term. 

Many canneries operate their own traps. All 
canneries, however, buy from independent fishermen 
who in good seasons make more than sufficient by 
their season's work to keep them the rest of the 
year in good circumstances. Their outfit consists of 
a sturdy gas boat, nets, lines, and other fishing 
equipment. 

There is no limit to the number of fishermen who 
may go into this business. 

Canning Opportunities Other Than Salmon. 
Blue Cod — Found in abundance on the coast, is 



12 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

an excellent canned food and at the present time 
is not being canned. 

Herring — Most abundant of all fish on the coast. 
It is a delectable food, and vast quantities are used 
in this country. The most is imported. They are 
very cheap, and can be packed economically. Here 
is a great opportunity for capital. 

Sardines and Pilchards — The same opportunities 
exist for canning as in Herring. 

Salmon Caviar — Most of the salmon roe are 
thrown away at the canneries. This product could 
be prepared and canned and put on the market as 
caviar. This product brings a fancy price, and for 
the most part is imported into this country. 

Crabs — Abundant on Oregon and Washington 
coast, and in Alaska. Not canned extensively and 
majority of canned crab is imported from Japan at 
fabulous prices. 

Clams — Very abundant on coast. 

Fish Oil and Fertilizer — There is a good demand 
for this product. There is a manufacturing possi- 
bility at all canneries ; at the present time there are 
only two such industries in Oregon. These are in 
Astoria. 

The young man who desires to learn the fishing 
industry, and has no capital, should secure employ- 
ment with some packing company. This should be 
done by the month of March. 

Other information desired in regard to this in- 
dustry can be obtained by writing the Chamber of 
Commerce, Portland, Oregon ; the Associated Indus- 
tries of Oregon. 

The Pacific Fisherman, published in Seattle, 
Washington, is an authority on this subject. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 73 



MANUFACTURING 

Oregon Has 286 Banks Whose Resources 
Total $300,447,528. 

Manufacturing, like other industries in Oregon, 
is only in its infancy. The people on the Pacific 
Coast are learning fast that they can manufacture as 
well, and in many cases cheaper, than their eastern 
brothers. The basic necessity for manufacturing — 
power — is one of Oregon's great assets. There is an 
abundance of coal and water power. 

All kinds of transportation is also available. 
One-sixth of all water power possibilities in the 
United States is in Portland trade field. 

There are over thirty steamship lines in Portland, 
and five transcontinental railroads, with equally as 
many inter-state lines. 

A great amount of raw material is shipped from 
Oregon annually to eastern cities for manufacture, 
and the Oregon people buy back the finished prod- 
uct, thus paying freight both ways and the necessary 
profit. This condition is unnatural and cannot last 
long when Oregon has all the essentials for manu- 
facturing the product herself. 

A few far-seeing men have seen the possibilities 
in this line of industry, and some manufacturing 
plants have begun. In all cases where the companies 
have been amply financed and the management ef- 
ficient they have met with success. 

Manufactured wool products from Oregon, and 
manufactured in Oregon, amounted to $13,000,000 
in a single year. 



74 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

In this territory are the most valuable iron de- 
posits west of Minnesota. There is sufficient amount 
of iron deposits accessible to supply the western half 
of the United States for centuries to come. 

It is but a question of a short time until capital 
will take advantage of this rich, natural resource, 
and rapid development will take place. 

These are conditions which actually exist, 
brought about by nature and not superficially im- 
planted by man. 

For the man who has capital, here are listed some 
opportunities for manufacturing: 

Food producing plants Cereal manufacturing 

Paper and paper towel- Woolens and woolen cloth- 
ing ing 

Knit goods Yarns 

Orchardists' supplies Factory cut houses 

Furniture Lumber manufacturing 
Tool handles and by-products 

Box shooks Clothing and shoes 

Juniper slats are now being sent to New York 
and Europe for lead pencil manufacture. There 
should be an opportunity here for manufacturing 
the pencils. 

Most of the crude rubber which is imported from 
the Orient into the United States comes through Port- 
land and other Pacific Coast cities. It is then shipped 
overland to the large tire manufacturing plants, 
where it is made into tires. Portland, Oregon, by 
its position, should prove an excellent opportunity 
for the manufacture of all kinds of rubber goods. 
Such plants have already begun to operate on the 
Pacific Coast. 

To give the reader some idea of what is now 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 75 

being done in the State of Oregon, the following 
statistics are listed: 

NUMBER OF FACTORIES AND OUTPUTS BY 
CLASSES. 

Total Number Val. of Output 

Number Reporting of Plants 

Plants Output Reporting. 

Logging 126 117 $14,557,833.72 

Sawmills and planers. . . 259 233 52,040,421.66 

Sash, door and furni- 
ture factories 54 40 5,689,898.43 

Creameries 77 68 10,722,716.71 

Flour, feed and cereals. 106 61 36,475,251.37 

Fruits, vegetables and 

fish 65 56 16,087,086.03 

Meat packing 21 15 13,469,747.25 

Woolen mills and woolen 

scouring 11 9 5,936,547.02 

PEOPLE EMPLOYED, CAPITAL INVESTED AND 
WAGES PAID. 

1919 1914 Pet. 

Increase 

Number of estab- 
lishments 2,707 2,320 16.7 

Persons engaged 

in manufacture . 68,004 35,449 91.8 

Proprietors and 

members of firms 2,540 2,189 16.0 

Office employees, 

salesmen, etc. . . 6,905 4,431 55.8 

Workmen in plants 

(avg. number).. 58,559 28,829 103.1 

Primary horsepwr. 303,751 219,222 38.6 

Capital invested.. $439,982,000 $139,500,000 215.4 
Salaries & wages 

(all plants) . . . 94,986,000 26,615,000 256.9 
Material used (all 

plants) 206,206,000 63,258,000 226.0 



76 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

Value of output 

(all plants) 366,783,000 109,762,000 234.2 

Statistics compiled by the Northwestern National 
Bank, Portland, Oregon. 

For additional information concerning any spe- 
cific type of manufacturing write to the Associated 
Industries, Portland, Oregon, or the Chamber of 
Commerce. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 77 



LUMBERING 

The lumbering industry is divided into two di- 
visions, logging and milling. 

LOGGING. 

The basic material for all the industries is lum- 
ber. Oregon is one of the world's greatest lumber 
producing areas, and contains the world's greatest 
and most valuable stand of timber. 

The total stand of timber in the United States 
is 2,215 billion board feet — 460 billion hardwoods 
and 1,755 billion softwoods. Of the softwood sup- 
ply, 77.6%, or 1,141 billion board feet are in the 
three Pacific Coast states, Oregon, Washington and 
California. Between the Canadian line on the North, 
Coos Bay on the South, the summit of the Cascades 
in the East, and the Pacific Coast is found the 
Douglas fir, which is half of all the timber in the 
coast states, or 558 billion feet. In this same terri- 
tory is an additional 242 billion feet of spruce, true 
fir, cedar and western hemlock. From this region 
the world will draw its main supply of soft wood for 
generations to come. 

The above figures give some indication of the 
region as a whole, but to be more specific in regard 
to Oregon we find that Oregon alone has 493 billion 
board feet of commercial timber, more than a quar- 
ter of the soft wood supply in the United States. 

It is estimated by competent authorities that if 
the development of lumber production is kept to its 
maximum, the present stand of timber will last nearly 



78 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

a hundred years, and by that time a second crop will 
be ready for commercial proportions. 

To harvest this vast field of wealth, Oregon has 
150 logging camps with a daily capacity of 14 mil- 
lion board feet. It has 93 logging railroads with a 
total trackage of 940 miles, built for the express 
purpose of hauling the logs to the mills and water- 
ways. When logs are hauled to the waterways and 
dumped they are picked up by tugs and towed to 
the mills after being arranged in rafts. 

Ten thousand men are normally at work in the 
logging camps whose payroll aggregate $12,500,000 
annually. Usually, unless there are a large number 
of rush orders on hand, the camps close two weeks 
about July 4th and Christmas. At that time the 
cities and towns in this region are visited with log- 
gers seeking recreation and rest after a six months 
stay at the camps. 

The food at the camps is always well prepared, 
and the quality is the best that money can buy. The 
competition is so keen among the logging companies 
for good help that they must have the best food to 
give the men or they will leave and work for other 
camps which do furnish the quality of food they 
want. The opportunity seeker, without capital, who 
wants to learn the logging industry, need have no 
hesitancy about going into the camps for fear of not 
getting proper nutriment. 

Before the war it was customary to work the 
crews eleven hours a day, but laws have changed 
all that. Eight hours is the rule, and any overtime 
is compensated by pay at the rate of time and a half. 
Laws, as well as the men, demand that the camps 
be healthy. Any young and healthy man can secure 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 79 

a position in the woods as a logger without previous 
experience, and in a very short while learn some of 
the more technical positions which require skill and 
dexterity and which draw the highest wages. All 
of the permanent camps have small four and five- 
room houses in which a married man can live com- 
fortably with his family, while he is learning his 
new vocation. For the investor, this is a wonderful 
field. There are many men who have standing tim- 
ber, but not the capital to harvest it. This standing 
timber can be bought cheaply, equipment purchased, 
loggers employed, and the logs taken to the mill 
and sold at a profit. The customary manner of do- 
ing this is to secure a contract from a mill to deliver 
so many thousand per day at so much per thousand. 
Co-operation between the mill owners and timber 
owners and the investor can be secured. Many of 
the great lumber barons in the coast started as log- 
gers and worked till they had learned the industry 
and saved enough to take a contract. 

For further information on logging write to the 
secretary of the Associated Industries of Oregon. 

MILLING. 

There are approximately 350 well organized saw- 
mills in the state. Twenty thousand men are nor- 
mally employed in the sawmills in Oregon with a 
payroll which aggregates $20,000,000 annually. 

Mills employ managers, superintendents, fore- 
men, timekeepers, tally men (who check the lumber 
as it is handled), electricians, truck drivers, men for 
every type of automatic saw and machine, carpen- 
ters, saw filers, mill wrights (men who superintend 



80 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

repair work and look after general upkeep) and la- 
borers. 

The young man without capital or skill in any 
one of the things mentioned above must of course 
secure a position as laborer or timekeeper. No tech- 
nical knowledge is required for either of these two 
positions. In normal times it is not at all difficult 
to secure a position in a mill, and once a man secures 
such a position, and makes himself a student of the 
mill industry, it will not take long before he is 
noticed, and a more lucrative position is assured, such 
as foreman or superintendent. 

For detailed information concerning the first step, 
write to Portland Chamber of Commerce, Associated 
Industries of Oregon, and The Pacific Lumberman — 
a magazine published in Seattle. 

For the man who has money to invest in the man- 
ufacture of lumber, it is suggested that he secure a 
site for the mill on deep water with rail connection. 
If the mill is not on deep water it is necessary to load 
the lumber on a car, unload and then reload, to ship 
by water. Where either can be handled once and 
not touched until it reaches its destination the sav- 
ing is obvious. 

If the stand of timber to be drawn upon by the 
mill is at a distance from deep water, it is still the 
cheapest to put the mill on deep water because logs 
can be handled with greater ease and less expense 
than the manufactured product. 

With 800 billion feet of timber standing, and this 
being estimated to last 100 years, the mill owners 
need have no fear of depletion of the raw material. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 81 



PAPER 

The paper industry in Oregon, Washington and 
Alaska is just in its infancy. Nature has endowed 
Oregon beneficently to become a center of a tremen- 
dous paper industry. The great necessities of paper 
manufacturing are wood, water and power, which 
are present in abundance in Oregon. 

Paper is the basic substance for which new uses 
are constantly being found. It is used in the manufac- 
ture of articles which range from crates to building 
material. 

The paper mills, which are now established in 
Oregon, produce news print paper, wrapping paper, 
tissue paper, toweling, paper bags and chip board. 
Twenty thousand people are now employed by these 
plants, besides the great number who earn their liv- 
ing from concerns which are directly associated with 
the paper industry. 

When it is considered that there are nearly a 
hundred billion feet of spruce in Oregon, and more 
than that in Washington and Alaska, the following 
statistics will show that the industry is only in its 
infancy. 



Men employed 3,000 

Annual output 175,000 tons 

Wood used annually 250,000 cords 

Annual payroll $3,500,000 

Capital invested $25,000,000 



82 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

For the young man who wishes to get into this 
industry while it is yet young it is suggested that he 
secure a position in some paper mill. The force 
and personnel is constantly changing, and with these 
changes comes the opportunity for the man really 
interested to be transferred about the mills and learn 
every department thoroughly. A year or two service 
in the mill should see a man thoroughly qualified to 
handle some minor foreman's job, which is the first 
step towards securing a position of greater impor- 
tance in the new mills that are sure to be erected in 
the near future. 

The pulp wood supply of eastern Canada and the 
Eastern states is rapidly diminishing, and paper men 
are turning their eyes to the great untouched West, 
which offers such vast quantities of pulp wood. 
Water power is in abundance which cheapens the 
cost of manufacturing. It seems natural to presume 
that the paper mills of the West can compete suc- 
cessfully against those of the East, when freight rates 
are considered. The great population which is al- 
ready here, and those to come, will buy at home and 
save the freight, thereby giving this industry the op- 
portunity to thrive. 

Syndicates are now laying plans to erect mills 
along the whole coast from Southern Oregon to 
Alaska, and is it not natural to assume that the man 
who knows the business of manufacturing this com- 
modity will be given opportunities to show his 
worth ? 

Because this industry requires great capital it 
is suggested that the small capitalist turn to other 
means suggested in this book to increase his fortune. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 83 

MINING. 

The map shows the various Mineral locations in 
the state. 

Mining property will increase many times in 
value when some of the proposed railroads are con- 
structed. This is especially true of the mining terri- 
tory in the southwestern part of the state. Consider- 
able mining is being done in Oregon, especially for 
gold. There are mining claims available for entry, but 
for the most part these are so great a distance from 
transportation facilities that they are not practical. 
It is possible, however, to purchase claims for nom- 
inal sums which contain pay dirt. Several of these 
claims should be valuable when a railroad is built 
within using distance of the territory. It is possible 
on many of these small claims along the rivers to do 
placer mining with enough success to earn wages. 
Many claim owners are doing this and thus meeting 
their expenses while they are waiting for the rail- 
road. 

The first mining in Oregon took place in Jackson 
and Josephine Counties (S. E. part) in 1852. Since 
then the production of ore has become a great indus- 
try and today mining is carried on in nearly every 
county in Oregon. Gold leads the field, but cop- 
per, chromite, silver, manganese, silver, lead, zinc 
and tungsten are mined in great quantities. 

Much iron ore is found in Clackamas, Columbia 
and Multnomah Counties. 

Coal is found and produced in commercial quan- 
tities in Coos County. 

Other minerals found in the state are building 
stone, potash, nickel, cobalt, asphalt, quicksilver, as- 



84 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

bestos, platinum, mineral paint, soda, limestone, 
granite and antimony. 

In 1921 $6,000,000 was the value of the mineral 
output in Oregon. 

It is estimated that the total production of all 
metals in the state to date is $150,000,000. By far the 
greatest amount comes from the eastern part of the 
state. 

There are approximately 73 mining districts in 
the state. 

Baker County, Oregon, produces seventy-five per 
cent of all the minerals mined in Oregon. 

The mineral territory of Oregon and a part of 
Idaho is said by geologists to be the largest in North 
America. It begins near Canyon City, in Grant 
County, and extends northeast through Baker county, 
where the Snake River flows through the Blue moun- 
tains. 

This mining territory takes in Quartzburg, Suzan- 
ville, Greenhorn, Bonanza, Granite, Sumpter, Bourne, 
Virtue, Cornucopia and Mormon Basin districts. 

The Oregon Bureau of Mines and Geology, Ore- 
gon Building, Portland, Oregon, publish an official 
publication entitled, "The Mineral Resources of Ore- 
gon/' This book is free for those who ask for it, and 
it gives detailed information concerning the state's 
mining resources. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 85 



Portland as a Skipping Center and Port 

During the year 1921, 873 ocean-going vessels 
visited the port of Portland with a gross tonnage of 
2,390,732 tons. 

It is estimated that each vessel spent an average 
of $7,500 in Portland channels of trade. This does 
not include value of cargo, but for stevedoring, fuel- 
ing, lining, repairs, commissary supplies, and other 
charges. This amounts to $6,547,500. It is the only 
port on the Pacific which showed a gain in exports 
during 1921. 

Seven Hundred Per Cent. 

(Editorial, Oregon Journal, January 27, 1922J 

"A port that records a 100 per cent gain in a dec- 
ade is warrantedly proud of the record. 

"Portland's export growth since 1912 is nearly 
700 per cent. 

"A leaflet which comes from the traffic depart- 
ment of Port of Portland shows that our export com- 
merce, which in 1912 was $9,976,927, amounted to 
$69,129,971 in 1921. 

"The greatest gain of the 10-year period was 
made between 1920 and 1921, in amount $26,317,- 
080. The gain of 1920 over 1919 was likewise sub- 
stantial—nearly $12,300,000. 

"These advances were made during a period 
when practically all other ports of the world were 
acknowledging commerce losses. 

"War conditions affected trade movement both 
in direction and amount. Certain competitor ports 



86 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

made spectacular gains in handling war materials 
or in passing along commodities that as soon as war 
ceased were redirected along normal lines. 

"The Port of Portland's recent commerce gains 
are based upon transactions in the staples of the 
vast region which this city serves. It is the kind of 
commerce that will continue to grow after ports built 
upon boom and unnatural conditions have dropped 
into obscurity." 

The Port of Portland is the only absolutely 
fresh water harbor on the Pacific Coast with ideal 
shipping conditions. It is 108 miles from the sea 
and all railroads from the rich mountain plateaus 
coming into Portland have a down grade, which gives 
to this port a tremendous advantage over other 
Pacific Ports. 

There are four municipal terminals which can 
accommodate over twenty 500-foot ships at one time. 

There are seven privately owned docks with a 
total capacity for over 30,000 tons of cargo. 

There are eleven privately owned grain eleva- 
tors and flour docks with storage capacity for 
231,550 tons of sacked grain. 

There are eight lumber docks with over a mile 
of berthing space for vessels. 

NOTE — Most of the information concerning The Port of Portland 
was derived from a leaflet issued by the Traffic Department, The Port 
of Portland. 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 87 



OREGON AND THE TOURIST 

The State of Oregon has everything within its 
borders which appeals to the lover of outdoor life. 

For one who desires mountain life for his vaca- 
tion the Cascade range offers to him some of the 
most rugged and wild country in America. There 
are high mountain peaks covered with snow the sea- 
sons over; there are densely wooded foothills where 
all kinds of western wild game exists; there are 
placid lakes and turbulent mountain streams where 
game fish abound. 

There are trails, highways and byways for the 
hiker, autoist and horseman, which twine themselves 
from the crowded marts of a city's streets to the 
All Mighty loneliness and peace of a skyline moun- 
tain meadow; and from the peaceful tranquility of 
an inland lake to the colorful life of summer at the 
ocean. 

Office men in Portland can leave their offices Sat- 
urday noon and before nightfall can have their camp 
made in some of the finest fishing and hunting 
grounds in America. 

NATIONAL FORESTS IN OREGON. 

(From Oregon Blue Book.) 

"The purposes of the national forest service are 
to patrol, protect, and administer, at government ex- 
pense, the national forests in the state for the benefit 
of the community and the home builder. The chief 
resources of the national forests are timber, grazing 
range, power sites, and recreation opportunities. 

"Mature timber is being sold as rapidly as de- 



88 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

mand exists, and scientific measures are being taken 
for the production of another crop. The accessible 
ranges are grazed annually under permit, local 
stockmen receiving preference in range allotment. 
In 1920 the national forests of Oregon furnished sum- 
mer range for 120,000 head of cattle and 690,000 
head of sheep, this number being included in 2,900 
separate grazing permits. Sites for summer homes 
and other purposes are leased for long terms. The 
Oregon forests are used very largely by campers, 
fishermen, and hunters each summer, amounting in 
1920 to over 225,000 people. Twenty-five per cent 
of the revenue received from the national forests 
is allotted the counties in which the forests lie, for 
road and school purposes. Ten per cent additional 
is used for roads and trails within the forests, besides 
annual appropriations for the same purpose. Ore- 
gon's share of national forest revenue for the fiscal 
year ending June 30, 1920, was $170,272.90. Ore- 
gon's share of the ten million dollars appropriated 
by the federal aid road act to assist development of 
the national forests is $131,966.00 for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1920. A similar amount will be 
available annually until 1927. Oregon also receives 
under the postoffice appropriation act for roads and 
trails in or adjacent to the national forests $607,- 
742.00 for the calendar year 1919. 

"For convenience, the national forest area of 
Oregon is divided into fourteen units, each in charge 
of a supervisor, assisted by a clerk and from three 
to eight rangers. During the dry season this force 
is augmented ten to twenty by the employment of 
fire guards. The routine work is handled by the 
supervisor, who has authority to settle on the ground 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 89 

ordinary questions relating to the administration of 
the forest. Larger questions are referred to the dis- 
trict office at Portland. 

"Following is a list of national forests in Oregon, 
and headquarters of supervisors in charge : 

"Cascade — Central section Cascade mountains; 
Eugene. 

"Crater — Southern section Cascade mountains; 
Medford. 

"Deschutes — Central section east slope Cascade 
mountains; Bend. 

"Fremont — Principally in Lake county; Lake- 
view. 

"Malheur — Principally in Grant and Harney 
counties; John Day. 

"Ochoco — Principally in Blue mountain section 
of Crook and Wheeler counties; Prineville. 

"Oregon — Northern section of Cascade moun- 
tains; Portland. 

"Santiajm — Cascade 'mountain section of Linn 
and Marion counties; Albany. 

"Siskiyou — Southwestern section of state, in 
Curry and Josephine counties; Grants Pass. 

"Siuslaw — Coast section of Lincoln, Lane and 
Douglas counties; Eugene. 

"Umatilla — Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and 
Union counties; Pendleton. 

"Umpqua — Cascade mountain section of Douglas 
county; Roseburg. 

"Wallowa — Blue mountain section of Wallowa 
county; Wallowa. 

"Whitman — Grant, Union and Baker counties; 
Baker." 



90 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

Especially inviting is the Cascade National For- 
est in Oregon, which can be easily reached by auto, 
horse and on foot. Here abound the rainbow trout, 
steelhead and Dolly Varden trout, bear, deer, rab- 
bits, grouse, quail and squirrel. Here also are glis- 
tening glaciers and warm mineral springs. 

This territory is along the McKenzie River and 
there are convenient hotels and outfitting points for 
the tourist. 

To get to the Cascade National Forest of Oregon, 
one can take either the McKenzie Highway or the 
Old Willamette Military Road. These roads extend 
from Eugene, Oregon, across the entire forest. 

The McKenzie road from Eugene to Bend passes 
through the northern part of the forest. A distance 
of 118 miles by auto. The McKenzie bridge is about 
an eight-hour run from Portland by way of Eugene, 
or by the Southern Pacific railroad to Eugene, then 
by stage. 

The old military road from Eugene to the east- 
ern part of the state runs along the Willamette river 
through the southern part of the forest to Oak Ridge, 
which is in the center of the Cascades. Oak Ridge 
can also be reached by the Southern Pacific railroad. 

The Rigdon Ranger Station, which is above Oak 
Ridge, can be reached by automobiles. 

McKenzie Bridge is a small summering place, and 
is the outfitting point for the northern part of the 
forest. Here one may procure horses, guides, auto- 
mobiles, groceries and gasoline. 

Foley and Belknap Hot Springs are summer re- 
sorts in the heart of the mountains, and can be 
reached by automobile. 

For those who wish to make a permanent camp, 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 91 

where they may go, tracts may be leased from the 
Government from one to fifteen years. The fee is 
from $10.00 to $25.00 per year. When the lease ex- 
pires it can be renewed or sold. 

A very attractive and comfortable cabin can be 
built cheaply. It can be built of logs. A fireplace 
can be constructed of stones. 

Detailed maps of woods and existing conditions 
can be secured from the Forest Supervisor's office at 
Eugene, Oregon. 

For the sportsman who loves geese hunting, Ore- 
gon's lakes should prove to him a paradise. Geese 
are plentiful in practically all lake counties. 

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK. 

It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes 
in the world because of its sapphire blue and the 
rugged magnificence of its shores. Thousands of 
tourists visit it annually. 

(From the Oregon Blue Book.) 

"The park contains an area of 249 square miles, 
or 159,360 acres, situated in southern Oregon, im- 
mediately upon the summit of the Cascade range. 
The lake is located in the crater of an extinct vol- 
cano which destroyed what was probably the mon- 
arch mountain peak of the western coast, and which 
is estimated by geologists to have been more than 
16,000 feet high. The lake, which is practically in 
the center of the park, has a water surface of twenty 
and one-fourth square miles, is 6,177 feet above sea 
level and has a maximum depth of 1,996 feet. The 
almost vertical walls of the great caldera in which 
the lake is situated rise from 1,000 to 2,000 feet 
above the surface of the water. Crater lake was 



92 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

first discovered by John Hillman, the leader of a 
party of gold hunters, on June 12, 1853. 

"Convenient hotel and camping accommodations 
have been provided by a company given that con- 
cession by the department of the interior. Charges 
for services and accommodations are under the con- 
trol of the government and are very reasonable. 
Good roads have been constructed throughout the 
park, one of which is of special scenic importance 
and permits auto travel on the rim of this extinct 
crater the entire distance around the lake. Other 
roads and trails lead to many points of interest in the 
park. The interior department desires to extend the 
boundaries of the park to the north so as to include 
Diamond lake, which is connected with the rim road. 
This lake has wonderful scenic advantages. 

"Crater Lake national park has three entrances — 
the western one may be reached from Medford, the 
eastern one from Bend, and the southern one from 
Klamath Falls. Crater lake is the only national park 
in Oregon." 

COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY. 

This wonder highway of the world extends from 
the ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River to 
Hood River, a distance of 185 miles. This highway 
is a poem of engineering and of beauty, and like a 
poem, is a constant inspiration to those who travel 
over it. Presidents and office boys have been en- 
thralled because of its scenic beauty. Its variety 
of rapidly changing scenes as one travels over it 
beggars description. One moment, and Browning's 
lines are felt, "Oh, our manhood's prime vigor, no 




Roses Bloom in Oregon Nearly the Whole Tear 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 93 

spirit feels waste," and the next the reverence of God 
is felt in the omnipotence, the splendor and the 
awful grandeur of his work. A trip over the Co- 
lumbia River Highway is a 185-mile sermon on God's 
creation. 

OREGON IS NOT A WILDERNESS. 

The name Oregon to a great many people of the 
United States has always meant a wilderness. A 
place populated chiefly by Indians, cowboys and 
trappers and they are amazed when they learn the 
truth concerning this great state. 

Many Easterners when they come to Oregon ex- 
pect to find nothing but unimproved roads and trails 
and the business enterprises to consist of Indian 
squaws sitting in front of their tents selling baskets, 
beads and moccasins. They expect to find the West- 
ern white women dressed in buckskin skirts and 
carrying rifles. 

Where they expected to find tents, they find sky- 
scrapers, and some of the finest homes in America. 
Where they expected to find wild Indians they find 
prosperous and modern farmers on whose farms can 
be found every convenience of a city home. 

They learn that Oregon ranks as one of the best 
states in the union educationally. That Portland, 
Oregon, has the largest high school enrollment per 
capita of any city in the United States; that the State 
University has an enrollment of nearly two thousand 
students and the State Agricultural College has an 
enrollment of nearly six thousand students and is 
rated as one of the best in the world. 

They learn that the state has some of the finest 



94 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 

roads in the world and has more miles of improved 
roads per capita than any other state in the union 
and that the state in 1921 spent nineteen million 
dollars on roads alone. 

They learn that Oregon has two hundred and 
thirty-six banks whose resources total three hundred 
and a half millions of dollars. 

They learn that there are approximately one hun- 
dred and eighteen thousand automobiles in the state, 
or one automobile to every five inhabitants. 

They learn that Portland, Oregon, is the Rose 
City of the United States and that it is not an un- 
common sight to see the roses blooming at Christmas. 

They learn that Oregon has the most healthful 
climate in the United States, and they learn that Ore- 
gon is not a wilderness. 



(Editorial, Portland Telegram, Jan. 31, 1922.) 

"Things actually produced from the soil and 
waters of Oregon in one crop year — farm products 
including livestock, together with timber and fish, 
amount to $301,000,000, or about $400 per capita 
of population. This does not take into account the 
manufactured products of factories nor the output 
of the mines which amount might safely be placed 
at one-fourth more. Indeed we reckon the manu- 
factures of Portland (including lumber of course) 
at $100,000,000 a year. It may not be exact truth 
to say that only the surface of Oregon has yet been 
scratched for wealth; but it would be hard to find 
a state in the Union with so much natural wealth 
still undeveloped. " 



THE LAND OF BEGINNING 95 



A SONG OF OREGON. 

A song of Love for Oregon, 
Her lakes and purple hills, 

Her woodlands and her meadows, 
Her trails and mountain rills. 

A song of Faith in Oregon 

And the dear souls striving there 

Are the flowers that bloom in Oregon 
Which God placed everywhere. 

A song of Hope for Oregon, 
As bright as the summer sun, 

As glorious as her history, 

When her statehood was begun. 

Faith, Love and Hope in Oregon 
Will make her dreams come true; 

For Nature's gifts to Oregon 
Are God's own gifts to you. 



96 THE LAND OF BEGINNING 



You who are satisfied and happy, 
remain where you are, for you have 
what the countless thousands seek — 
contentment. 

There are no rules for happiness, 
but your own mind. 

There are no rules for success but 
your determination. 

If you are not contented with your 
lot today, and that Oregon country 
which we have called the "Land of Be- 
ginning" has a lure for you, then we 
say you may well heed the lure and 
trek to that last American new land, 
never forgetting that labor conquers 
all, and strong hearts always win. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





003 220 701 7 




